linux-kernel - Re: The linux devs can rescind their license grant.

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Date:   Fri, 26 Oct 2018 17:32:58 +0000
From:   visionsofalice@...chan.it
To:     linux-kernel@...r.kernel.org
Cc:     esr@...rsus.com, gregkh@...uxfoundation.org,
        Eben Moglen <moglen@...umbia.edu>, rms@....org,
        bruce@...ens.com, bkuhn@...onservancy.org, editor@....net,
        neil@...wn.name, labbott@...hat.com, torvalds@...ux-foundation.org,
        ksummit-discuss@...ts.linuxfoundation.org, tglx@...utronix.de,
        olof@...om.net, clm@...com, mishi@...ux.com,
        linux-kernel-owner@...r.kernel.org
Subject: Re: The linux devs can rescind their license grant.

On 2018-10-26 13:15, Eben Moglen wrote:
> They can do neither.  There is no "doctrine established in Jacobsen."
> The license terms of the GPLv2, GPLv3, and all related licenses
> provide a mode of termination---for imposition of additional
> restrictions or violation of other terms.  This termination provision,
> being explicit, is therefore the sole form of termination recognized
> under the terms of the Copyright Act.

Incorrect. This rule is only valid for bargained-for copyright licenses 
supported by consideration.
The GPLv2 is not such a situation for most licensees.

You are conflating case law dealing with commercial software and 
non-gratuitous licenses with the present situation, which would likely 
be a case of first-impression in nearly any jurisdiction.

The rule for gratuitous licenses is that they are revocable at the will 
of the grantor.
Raymond Nimmer (God rest his soul) was in agreement on this point, 
vis-a-vis the GPL and similar licenses.