BT Home Hub: Continued violation

[Ralph Corderoy]

Hi,

Alexandre Oliva wrote:
> On Apr  6, 2008, Arnoud Engelfriet <arnoud at engelfriet.net> wrote:
> > Ralph Corderoy wrote:
> > > The source code for a work means the preferred form of the work
> > > for making modifications to it.  For an executable work, complete
> > > source code means all the source code for all modules it contains,
> > > plus any associated interface definition files, plus the scripts
> > > used to control compilation and installation of the executable.
> 
> > Because that language does not include authorization codes or keys
> > you may need to generate such codes in order to produce a binary
> > that is accepted by the device. 
> 
> Why wouldn't these be part of the corresponding source code, if
> they're necessary to produce the installed binary?

I agree.  In one case I know of manufacturer has source, including a
makefile, that builds the binary, including signing it, and an uploader
that talks their closed protocol over a serial port to the devices
bootloader firmware to install it in the factory prior to shipping.  GPL
V2 seems to cover this with "scripts used to control compilation and
installation of the executable" yet the vendor doesn't bother releasing
the key or the upload script and it seems legal minds that know their
stuff on this list agree.  As a layman I don't get it.

Cheers,


Ralph.