Here is a question that has been nagging me - how is it possible to safeguard against closed-source developers stealing GPL'd code?
In cases like this, it's pretty easy to find out a violation took place. But what about a major closed-source project that uses pieces of GPL-d code? What if an embedded OS developer decided to use some Linux kernel code, without attribution, in a proprietary system? Would it be possible to detect the violation (looking for patterns in the binary, for example)?
Would it be possible to compel the company to show its source to a court in the event of a lawsuit?
The GPL may be enforceable, but that is cold comfort unless it is possible to detect and combat the use of stolen code.
There's a big difference between things (like cookies, bullion, potato chips) and information (cookie recipies). I can copy your cookie recipe without you even knowing about it and bake all the cookies I want -- do you *really* want me to believe that's equivalent to coming into your kitchen and raiding the cookie jar?
One leaves you hungry, the other just clueless.
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Here is a question that has been nagging me - how is it possible to safeguard against closed-source developers stealing GPL'd code?
In cases like this, it's pretty easy to find out a violation took place. But what about a major closed-source project that uses pieces of GPL-d code? What if an embedded OS developer decided to use some Linux kernel code, without attribution, in a proprietary system? Would it be possible to detect the violation (looking for patterns in the binary, for example)?
Would it be possible to compel the company to show its source to a court in the event of a lawsuit?
The GPL may be enforceable, but that is cold comfort unless it is possible to detect and combat the use of stolen code.
There's a big difference between things (like cookies, bullion, potato chips) and information (cookie recipies). I can copy your cookie recipe without you even knowing about it and bake all the cookies I want -- do you *really* want me to believe that's equivalent to coming into your kitchen and raiding the cookie jar? One leaves you hungry, the other just clueless.
The byproduct would probably be plain old carbon dioxide, which the soldier is producing already.