Xref: utzoo comp.sys.att:3533 unix-pc.general:854 comp.sources.d:2324
Newsgroups: comp.sys.att,unix-pc.general,comp.sources.d
Path: utzoo!henry
From: henry@utzoo.uucp (Henry Spencer)
Subject: Re: BSD stuff --> libndir and libdbm
Message-ID: <1988Jun20.043652.21242@utzoo.uucp>
Organization: U of Toronto Zoology
References: <290@uncle.UUCP> <1988Jun14.232210.7726@utzoo.uucp>, <4556@b-tech.UUCP>
Date: Mon, 20 Jun 88 04:36:52 GMT

> 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