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What is the Best Way to Handle a GPL Violation?

Posted by Cliff on from the how-would-you-do-it dept.

DeadSea queries: "When you find that somebody is violating the GPL by distributing your code or a derivative of your code as a closed source product, how do you go about handling it? I have found two violations of the GPL for my Java Utilities, in the last month. The Free Software Foundation says that the copyright holder is the only person empowered to act. If you are the copyright holder, how do you communicate with the offenders? I know folks here must have dealt with this before: Linksys, SCO, Castle Technology, United Linux, and others. Personally, I would like to believe that with a little nudging (and without lawyers), I can resolve the things. As such, I would especially appreciate any example letters or other documents that might be effective."

7 of 511 comments (clear)

  1. I would suggest... by DetrimentalFiend · · Score: 5, Funny

    I would suggest sending an informal e-mail asking if they understand that they're violating the GPL. If that doesn't resolve the problem, the next step might be e-mailing someone at the FSF for advice. If you really serious about it and the FSF can't help you, you may need to get some advice from a lawyer.

    Of course, the Passive Aggressive way would be to simply decompile the byte code. Java decompilers are quite excellent at producing almost exactly the same source code as was there to begin with (minus comments). You could then put the GPL license at the top, post a copyright for the work they did. After that, send them a letter telling them that you assisted their efforts at becoming compliant with the GPL. You could even bill them with a consulting fee if you really wanted to get a funny reaction from them. Of course, if you did this, you would almost certainly need to find a good lawyer ahead of time.

  2. What is the Best Way to Handle a GPL Violation? by pantycrickets · · Score: 5, Funny

    What is the Best Way to Handle a GPL Violation?

    Shoot on site!!

    1. Re:What is the Best Way to Handle a GPL Violation? by WIAKywbfatw · · Score: 5, Funny

      Should I be worried that someone who can't differentiate between "site" and "sight" has a shoot first policy?

      --

      "Accept that some days you are the pigeon, and some days you are the statue." - David Brent, Wernham Hogg
    2. Re:What is the Best Way to Handle a GPL Violation? by BrynM · · Score: 5, Funny
      What is the Best Way to Handle a GPL Violation?

      Shoot on site!!

      I can't resist....

      Offsite shooting is much better since the trouble of cleaning it up can be left to others. Onsite shootings are disruptive to the office and can litter equipment, clothes and furniture with exit wound debris. If you can't decide which method would be optimal to your manslaughter needs, you can just shoot them whenever and wherever you see them first.

      --
      US Democracy:The best person for the job (among These pre-selected choices...)
  3. Tell us the offenders by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Funny

    And we'll, uh... check out their websites... until they stop responding. That'll get their attention.

  4. Simple by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Funny

    Get a lawyer. Asking for legal help on slashdot is about as dumb as asking us for medical advice. (It's possible that the advice might be good, but you could end up neutering yourself)

  5. The C-Team by iiioxx · · Score: 5, Funny

    In 1991, a crack development unit was sent to prison by a software patent court for a crime they didn't commit. These men promptly escaped from a maximum security stockade to the Linux Expo underground. Today, still wanted by the government, they survive as coders of fortune. If someone rips off your code, if no one else can help, and if you can find them, maybe you can hire... the C-Team.