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NeoNapster's NeoAudio Rips Off CDex

Posted by ryuzaki0 on from the gpl-violations-are-not-nice dept.

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."

8 of 481 comments (clear)

  1. Re:since it is under the GPL by ceejayoz · · Score: 2, Redundant

    Doubtful - the spyware and adware are probably not included in the actual program, they'll separate program bundled with it and thus not subject to the license.

  2. Give them soem credit. by howardjp · · Score: 2, Redundant

    They at least made the source available.

  3. Re:comes with the territory by Dark+Paladin · · Score: 1, Redundant

    Ah, yes. Of course - because GPL allows you to see/use the source code, if your product is stolen and reimplemented, then you deserve that.

    While we're at it, if you have sex, you're going to get SIDS, so never swap fluids with someone of the opposite sex. Oh, and if you love people, they'll hurt you, so never show affection. Don't bother buying a house - they get burned down.

    The truth is, this is theft, and I don't see Neoaudio releasing the source code for their product which uses CDex, so hopefully this is a company that can be sued for GPL violation. (And lord, if they did use the source code and they're not publishing their "enhancements", I do hope they get sued if for no other reason then to give GPL legal acknowledgement.)

    --
    52 Weeks, 52 Religions with John Hummel
  4. Before anybody starts screaming "GPL violation" by DeadMeat+(TM) · · Score: 3, Redundant
    the source code for both NeoNapster and NeoAudio are posted on their download page, and both programs are licensed under the GPL. Even if this is ethically wrong, legally it's fine.

    That said, it's still a nasty rip-off, and I hope people use CDex (a very fine piece of software, incidentally) instead.

  5. This doesn't go well.. by faeryman · · Score: 0, Redundant

    ..with my proposed business plan of:

    1. Come up with a cool new [browser|media player|email client|kernel] .
    2. Rip off some open source software..excuse me..."add value" to it.
    2. ??
    3. Profit!

    Back to the drawing board I guess :(

    --


    ,
    faeryman
  6. I see a new business model for Napster by DCMonkey · · Score: 0, Redundant

    Suing NeoNapster for trademark infringement.

    --
    DCMonkey
  7. Re:comes with the territory by ajakk · · Score: 1, Redundant

    The truth is, this is theft, and I don't see Neoaudio releasing the source code for their product which uses CDex Because you obviously didn't look. NeoNapster is providing the source code, so they are not violating the GPL.

    --
    Come play Heroes of Might and Magic Mini online.
  8. This is how the GPL works by herc_mk2 · · Score: 1, Redundant

    NeoNapster distibuted a slightly different version of another GPL'ed project (CDex). They (NeoNapster) released their source code under the GPL.

    So where is the problem? This is exactly what the GPL was intended for.

    Sure they're very similar products, so what? Look at the Linux distributers -- especially in the early days, the only differences were the install programs.

    Sure NeoNapster "bundled" some dubious features, but so what again? Don't use it. Or get the source, edit it to remove stuff you don't like, and release your own project under the GPL.