From: Craig Ringer [mailto:craig@2ndquadrant.com] > I'm assuming you don't want to offer a grant that lets anyone use them for > anything. But if you have a really broad grant to PostgreSQL, all someone > would have to do to inherit the grant is re-use some part of PostgreSQL.
Your assumption is right. No scope is the same as no patent; it won't help to defend PostgreSQL community against rival companies/communities of other DBMSs. Or, I think we can set the scope to what OIN states. Fortunately, anyone can join OIN free of charge.
> I guess there's a middle ground somewhere that protects substantial > derivatives and extracts but stops you using some Pg code snippets as a > freebie license.
Are you assuming that developers want to use PG code snippets for non-PostgreSQL or even non-DBMS software? I believe that accepting patented code from companies would be practically more useful for PostgreSQL enhancement and growth. PostgreSQL is now a mature software, and it can be more corporate-friendly like other software under Apache License.
Certainly there is history of people using PG code for non-PostgreSQL or at least commercial derivative work. Greenplum for example.
