Dual-Licensing Situation

[Arnoud Engelfriet]

AR wrote:
> Arnoud Engelfriet wrote:
> >Well, there are no restrictions imposed upon your usage of the GPLv2
> >software. They also don't impose conditions on your usage or distribution
> >of the software. So what's the problem?
> >
> >They only say "once you start using the GPL software, we won't sell
> >a proprietary license anymore".
> 
> Which is effectually adding terms to the original GPL license, because 
> the original GPL license did not say that.

GPLv2 only forbids recipients from adding restrictions to the rights
granted by the GPLv2. A refusal to sell a proprietary license is not
a restriction on the rights granted by GPLv2.

"I will give any person $1000 if (s)he promises not to use any GPLv2 
software ever."
Oops. Did I just invalidate everyone's GPLv2 license? 

Arnoud

-- 
ICT-jurist, blogger en octrooigemachtigde ~ Partner bij ICTRecht.nl
   http://www.arnoud.engelfriet.net/ ~ http://www.iusmentis.com/