NeoNapster's NeoAudio Rips Off CDex

mydoghasworms writes "There's an interesting thing going down at CDex. Apparently the CDex application has been ripped off by NeoNapster, replacing the logo and adding some spyware and adware. (For those not in the know, CDex is a very nice, very easy-to-use GPL (as in Open Source) Audio CD Ripper). The user comments at download.com make for a very entertaining read."

Comments

since it is under the GPL

[subgeek]

does this mean that we can get all of the source for the spyware and adware? that could make for some fun. or at least it would take less time to disable it.

Notify CNet

[duplicate-nickname]

Tell CNet Downloads to stop hosting this application as it is violating the original license.

Their feedback URL is http://download.com.com/1200-20-750060.html?tag=su bnav

Copyrights...

[phraktyl]

I contacted Richard M. Stallman about this issue, but unfortunately I can not do much about it, except for the fact that they are removing/changing copyright strings which they should not.

If they are changing or removing copyright strings, doesn't that mean there is a lot he can do about it?

Can't one change copyright?

[Pseudonymus Bosch]

I understand that the reason of the icompatibility between GPL and BSD with ad clause code is because (old) BSD forces you to mark the copyright of Berkeley regents.
I understand that GPL doesn't involve copyright strings. The reason is that if you take small pieces of code from 100 GPL projects, it's uncomfortable to include 100 notices of copyright.

Am I wrong? Must (legally) the author that copies bits of GPL code include the copyright of the previous authors?

I thought it was just a thing of manners and reputation, not legal duty.