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Allnet GPL Infringement Settled Constructively
Elektroschock writes "LWN has coverage of a GPL dispute settled in a constructive manner. Allnet GmbH, German manufacturer and distributor of networking equipment, including switches, routers, NICs and wireless adapters, infringed the GNU Public License of netfilter/iptables. As part of the settlement Allnet GmbH will donate money to tax-exempt not-for-profit organizations, i.e. FSF Europe and FFII. Both organisations lobby for better copyright and patent legislation in Europe."
Yes, you don't have to pay taxes on donaitions to non-for-profit organizations if they have been regonized as publicly beneficial by the tax office.
FSF Europe is NOT FSF.
Free Software Forundation Europe, that's Georg Greve and the European crowd, no zelots that force you to call your operating system GNU/linux. They are well respected European lobbyists. Money spent on EU lobbying saves a lot for projects. For instance the EU IPR enforcement directive may be very dangerous for EU citizens that 'just write code'.
And FFII is probably the most succesful player in patent legislation over the past 30 years. Patent attorney made their own laws for a long time.
The link to Allnet is wrong in a way which suggests that it's spam. The correct link is http://www.allnet.de/.
Paying big bucks (euros in this case) makes one immune from GPL infringment claims. What the shame ...
FUD-alert ! Allnet did not just donate money to several organisations but also agreed to release their modifications under GPL and to work with iptables together in the future. So they agreed to comply with the GPL, release their code under GPL, work with the iptables team together and additionally donate some money. Which is good news, IMHP !