IT-Analysis: The GPL And The Legal Challenge To It

"The GPL is, as far as I can see, the most innovative adjustment to copyright and IP contracts that has occurred for decades--maybe even centuries. The idea is, in essence, a simple one.

"Previously creators and collaborators in the creation of IP (or works covered by copyright--software happens to fall into both categories at times) chose either to defend their legal ownership via copyright and/or the lodging of patents or they chose to make it freely available. The GPL plows a middle course, allowing free usage of software source code on condition that whatever is added (source code and IP) is also provided to others on the same basis..."

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