Re: Circumventing the GPL

[Hyman Rosen]

John Hasler wrote:
> Yes, copyright owners can give up some rights:
> the one in your example has done so.

He has not.

> He has also sold his right to distribute source
> to the buyer of the copies.

He has not.

> He no longer can distribute source: he sold that right.

He did not.

> > The person who has purchased the copy...
> ...Has also purchased the exclusive right to distribute
> the source and is therefor one of the copyright owners.

He has not and he is not.

I don't know where you're getting this stuff. The manufacturer
sells copies of software to a reseller, in full compliance with
the GPL, shipping binaries and source. He has not sold any
"rights". The reseller has not bought any "rights". He may do
only what copyright law allows - he may choose to distribute
under the GPL, or he may choose to distribute under first sale.