zeeff@b-tech.UUCP (Jon Zeeff) (06/18/88)
In article <1988Jun14.232210.7726@utzoo.uucp> henry@utzoo.uucp (Henry Spencer) writes: >There is no known implementation of dbm that is not covered by AT&T >licensing restrictions, so I fear you're out of luck there. IBM put a copy of the dbm code in the X11 release (ie released the code) with a "copyright IBM with permission for anyone to use, copy, modify, etc" notice in it. There are no "copyright AT&T" notices in it. Given this situation, it *is* legal for me to use and distribute this code. There are no trade secret, copyright, or license violations in my doing so. AT&T source license sites may be a different story. IBM and AT&T may have something to discuss, but that's not my concern. -- Jon Zeeff Branch Technology, uunet!umix!b-tech!zeeff zeeff%b-tech.uucp@umix.cc.umich.edu
henry@utzoo.uucp (Henry Spencer) (06/20/88)
> IBM put a copy of the dbm code in the X11 release (ie released the > code) with a "copyright IBM with permission for anyone to use, copy, > modify, etc" notice in it. There are no "copyright AT&T" notices in it. > > Given this situation, it *is* legal for me to use and distribute this > code. There are no trade secret, copyright, or license violations > in my doing so... Careful, it ain't necessarily so. Agreed that IBM may get some harsh words from AT&T. Agreed, also, that someone innocently using the stuff off the X tape is technically in the clear. However, note the adverbs in that sentence. First, "innocently": if you know full well -- or could reasonably be expected to know -- that the stuff on the tape is pirated, you may *not* be in the clear. Second, "technically": a lawsuit started by a giant corporation can be painful and expensive even if you win. Understand, I don't work for the AT&T Software Police :-). I doubt that AT&T is going to get very upset with you over personal use. But if I were considering incorporating that stuff in a commercial product (or a non-commercial product), I for one would (a) hesitate, and (b) seriously consider getting legal advice first. Be careful, it's loaded. -- Man is the best computer we can | Henry Spencer @ U of Toronto Zoology put aboard a spacecraft. --Von Braun | {ihnp4,decvax,uunet!mnetor}!utzoo!henry