On Tue, 2004-07-13 at 09:29 +0100, Samuel Liddicott wrote:
Rui Miguel Seabra wrote:
(...)
Hence, derivate must be GPL'ed.
ONLY if it is to be distributed.
Yes. But isn't that the case we're talking about?
I would welcome more clarification on what constitutes a distribution. If a small company modifies and builds and runs GPL software on a single computer they are not required to release the source as the derivative work is not being distributed. Arguably a larger company (having more than one PC) may use the modified GPL software across the company without releasing source - even if they software is used to provide a public or commercial service - because the derivative work is not being distributed.
Certainly if the GPL derivative code were made available to another company this would count as a distribution. What about to a different department? What about a different group company? What about to club members? What if the club is a company? What if the club is a company AND a club of companies?
It may belong to a group, but they are distinct companies. Other than that, most of what you said are considered private circles in most about anything.
Rui