SuSE Yast violating the GPL?

[Reinhard Müller]

On Thu, 2002-02-07 at 17:49, RIBNITZ Robert wrote:
> In their Yast License, section 3, they state something along the lines that
> it is forbidden to duplicate SuSE linux (and ofc yast) without their prior
> written consent (and possibly a fee)
> 
> Now, SuSE linux contains a vast number of programs that are licensed under
> the terms of the GPL, or LGPL. One of these "programs" is a linux kernel
> (suse contains a modified kernel, not the stock one from kernel.org).
> 
> However, the GPL forbids programs that use the license to use other
> licenses/conditions, or to restrict the gpl further (items 4, 6 and 7 of the
> gpl).

(IANAL)
Many programs on the SuSE CD's are under the GPL. YAST is under it's own
license, and as long as YAST doesn't _link_ to GPL'ed code, it may be.
And it's not forbidden to distribute software of different licenses on
the same CD. IIRC SuSE even distributes demo versions of non-free
software on their CDs.

So SuSE seems to be just another software company that doesn't want to
give its users the freedom they deserve, but they act (IMHO) perfectly
legal.

Thanks,
-- 
Reinhard Müller
BYTEWISE Software GmbH
A-6890 Lustenau, Enga 2
Tel +43 (5577) 89877-0
Fax +43 (5577) 89877-66
http://www.bytewise.at