Re: [libredwg] ODA Open Design Specification for .dwg files updated

[Felipe Castro]

That's ok, I understand. The point is that, open source projects
aren't prone to be sued, because there's no money, but big companies
yes. That's the reason I don't mind so much, GPL almost automatically
keep the "patent predators" away... :-)


2011/7/23 Frank Warmerdam <address@hidden>:
> On Fri, Jul 22, 2011 at 11:02 AM, Duncan Lithgow
> <address@hidden> wrote:
>> Den 03/07/2011 18.29 skrev "Felipe Castro" <address@hidden>:
>>
>> I wouldn't mind. What is the problem to use an idea? Is it under some
>> patent, anyway?
>> If they failed to keep their "secrets", they... failed.
>
> Felipe,
>
> I disagree.  If you manage to find a confidential document on the
> web and build based on the information in it, you put the project
> in a kind of jeopardy where folks won't feel safe using it for fear
> of getting sued in the future.
>
>> If someone from ODA comes here and contributes, would someone argue
>> about from where comes his knowledge?
>
> I believe real GNU projects require signed contribution agreements from all
> contributors.  I'm not sure if this applies to this project, but without out 
> it
> you do run the risk of some sorts of contributions poisoning the well.  So,
> I would argue that yes, if someone from ODA wants to contribute it would
> be wise of the project to get a commitment that they have the right to
> contribute their changes, and that it is offered under the project
> license.
>
> Failure to be cautious about matters such as these can limit the
> reusability of the project.  I don't know if that matters to you, but
> it is of concern to me.
>
> Best regards,
>
> --
> ---------------------------------------+--------------------------------------
> I set the clouds in motion - turn up   | Frank Warmerdam, address@hidden
> light and sound - activate the windows | http://pobox.com/~warmerdam
> and watch the world go round - Rush    | Geospatial Software Developer
>
>