MESSAGE
| DATE | 2010-01-02 |
| FROM | Ron Guerin
|
| SUBJECT | Re: [NYLXS - HANGOUT] MySQL issues
|
Paul Charles Leddy wrote:
> Can anyone clarify the dual-license deal in a paragraph w/ less than
> 10 sentences? I am still unsure on that measure.
>
When there is a single copyright holder over GPL code, as in the case of
MySQL, that entity has the right to change the license for new versions,
and the right to offer the code under multiple licenses (terms)
simultaneously. In this case, whoever owns the MySQL copyrights is able
to distribute it under both GPL and proprietary, closed source
licenses. In other words, I can go to Sun and buy a license to
distribute closed source versions of MySQL. If MySQL were under a BSD
license, then everyone could offer MySQL under multiple licenses, not
just the copyright holder. This is the root of why BSD license
proponents argue that their license is more free than the GPL. BSD
offers you the right to deny others the freedoms you received. Monty
can't offer his fork of MySQL to anyone under anything other than the
terms of the GPL unless he can get the license changed or
(theoretically) purchase a license from Sun/Oracle to distribute under
non-GPL terms.
- Ron
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