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Xref: sserve gnu.misc.discuss:6461 comp.os.linux:12286 comp.unix.bsd:6375 Newsgroups: gnu.misc.discuss,comp.os.linux,comp.unix.bsd Path: sserve!manuel.anu.edu.au!munnari.oz.au!hp9000.csc.cuhk.hk!uakari.primate.wisc.edu!zaphod.mps.ohio-state.edu!news.acns.nwu.edu!casbah.acns.nwu.edu!hpa From: hpa@casbah.acns.nwu.edu (H. Peter Anvin N9ITP) Subject: Re: distributing linux on floppies Message-ID: <1992Oct10.084717.8243@news.acns.nwu.edu> Sender: usenet@news.acns.nwu.edu (Usenet on news.acns) Reply-To: hpa@nwu.edu (H. Peter Anvin) Organization: You must be kidding! References: <1992Oct7.164402.29427@uc.msc.edu> <1992Oct8.200527.1567@fcom.cc.utah.edu> <1b27slINNj2f@usenet.INS.CWRU.Edu> Date: Sat, 10 Oct 1992 08:47:17 GMT Lines: 50 In article <1b27slINNj2f@usenet.INS.CWRU.Edu> of comp.os.linux, edguer@ces.cwru.edu (Aydin Edguer) writes: > > When the distributer sells a copy of software covered by the GPL to a > retailer, they are transferring a copy. When the retailer sells a copy > of software covered by the GPL to a customer, they are transferring a > copy. Money can be made from the sale and distribution of software > covered by the GPL. > > The important thing a distributor and retailer must keep in mind is that > they must distribute the source code, or provide a method of obtaining > the source code for up to three years, and that they cannot limit the > redistribution of the software. If a local user group wants to purchase > a copy of the distribution and sell duplicates for less than the retailer > or distributor, the retailer or distributor may not stop them from > competing. > M-x armchair-lawyer-mode >From my viewpoint, it seems perfectly legal for a retailer to sell a GPL-covered product, at a markup, as long as it comes in a box with a little mail-in card saying: Source Code Distribution ------------------------ If you would like to acquire the source code for this product as provided for by the General Public License, please mail in this card with a check or money order payable to SOFTWARE SHRINKWRAPS, UNLTD: ___ copies: 3.5" HD (20 disks) @ $60.00 ___ copies: 5.25" HD (24 disks) @ $60.00 Shipping & fondling... $7.00 Name/Address/Phone/Mother's Maiden Name/Father's Maiden Name/etc .... assuming, of course, that the cost of the package is at least $3/disk when you buy it. /hpa -- INTERNET: hpa@nwu.edu TALK: hpa@casbah.acns.nwu.edu BITNET: HPA@NUACC IBMNET: 16331@IBMX400 HAM RADIO: N9ITP NeXTMAIL: hpa@lenny.acns.nwu.edu Most inappropriatly named startup command, winner: Microsoft Windows