[Gllug] GPL & Licence Fees

[Josef Assad]

Ken Smith wrote:
> Any GPL experts who might have a view on this....
> 
> I came across a linux based firewall at a client that appeared to be a
> cut down Debian like configuration. The client is being charged an
> annual licence fee for this firewall. Is this legit?
> 
> I would understand a one off fee for setting it up but an annual licence
>  feel seems rather heavy.


The GPL does not mandate business models nor revenue stream
characteristics. If:

A: This _is_ Debian-based (i.e. GPL'ed at the origin)
B: The source code for the firewall software is being made available on
reasonable terms
C: Said source code includes changes the OEM has made
D: There are no funny tack-on licenses which inhibit the basic freedoms
expressed by the GPL (i.e. redistribution of source, modification of
source, etc.)

Then chances are it's legit.

But then, I'm no lawyer.
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