To try to keep this marginally on topic-- MySQL is a good example of
"proprietary open source" as we have been discussing and their business
model demands that. That is fine for them for now, but maybe this is not so
good in the future. I think that the open source model and proprietary
models do not mix well.
Ok, I have been unable to find what I was looking for in the GPL. However,
I did find the following language interesting:
"These requirements apply to the modified work as a whole. If
identifiable sections of that work are not derived from the Program,
and can be reasonably considered independent and separate works in
themselves, then this License, and its terms, do not apply to those
sections when you distribute them as separate works. But when you
distribute the same sections as part of a whole which is a work based
on the Program, the distribution of the whole must be on the terms of
this License, whose permissions for other licensees extend to the
entire whole, and thus to each and every part regardless of who wrote it."
Seems to undercut MySQL's claim regarding distribution of a proprietary app
which depends on MySQL.
IANAL, but I understand that the definition of derivative works varies from
juristiction to juristiction, and that only a few circuits in the US even
have a clear test. IMHO, this leaves MySQL with a SCO-like dilemma-- sue or
not to sue in cases where there is disagreement about the nature of the
license. (BTW< the Nusphere case was far more clear cut than the
hypotheticals I am discussing now). If I distribute MySQL on the same media
as a web service that exposes the MySQL lib interfaces, and a proprietary
web client which uses those interfaces, then MySQL could either sue me and
risk their marketing platform if the court finds against them or they could
refrain from suing me and just badger me about licenses. This is a
lose-lose situation for MySQL because the lack of clarity creates a problem
regarding their business model (licensing) which is not good.
Also, the "depends on" test might be a bad idea for another reason-- if held
up in court, any software written exclusively for MS Windows would therefore
be a derivative work and subject to royalties from Microsoft! IANAL, but I
have a HARD time believing that such a decision . The only approach I can
see them taking is that of direct linking, which is similar to the approach
of the FSF. I don't think that targetting MySQL as a development platform
consitutes a derivative work, but linking might. Furthermore a bridge might
be allowed because a wrapper library would have to be licensed under the
GPL, but the library itself (and header) would still be copyrighted by the
author who could use it in a proprietary app. In juristictions where there
is no defined test regaring derivative works, both the developer and MySQL
AB could be at risk.
Best Wishes,
Chris Travers
