Re: [gentoo-dev] Why should copyright assignment be a requirement?

[Troy Dack]

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> On Thu, Aug 21, 2003 at 12:09:17AM -0400, Paul wrote:
>> 	Hi;
>>
>> 	A long while back, I asked if it was a requirement
>> for ebuild submiters to assign copyright. I was told
>> no, GPL license was entirely sufficient. I think this has
>> changed, or was untrue.
>> 	Now, Ive already given up on the submission
>> process, but I _am_ curious about this policy, as I
>> havent yet given up on Gentoo itself.
>>
>> Paul
>> set@×××××.com
>
> I would be very interested in hearing your issues with ebuild
> submission, if you'd like to contact me privately about it.
>
> With regards to copyrights, it's necessary for us to own copyright on
> ebuilds in order to defend our intellectual property. If we (Gentoo
> Technologies) don't own copyright on ebuilds (and other pieces of
> Gentoo), we have no legal leg to stand on if someone (for example)
> attempts to put a more restrictive license on that piece of intellectual
> property.
>
> In short: if we don't own copyright, we can't defend ourselves.

[Note I am not versed in the many nuances of copyright law]

I can understand this position, however I think some people feel that this
is in some way removing or diminishing the fact that they have made a
contribution to Gentoo.

Would it not be possible for copyright to be assigned to Gentoo and the
author of the ebuild?

I believe that this has been discussed previously on this list (when I get
a chance I'll search my archive) and that there was an agreement reached
between Gentoo and an educational institution on this very matter.

- --
    Troy Dack                       <tad@g.o>

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