[Open-graphics] Definition of Open Hardware

[Terry Hancock]

Timothy Miller wrote:
>  On 10/6/06, Terry Hancock <hancock at anansispaceworks.com> wrote:
> > Yes, and I think that this much can be achieved with the existing
> > GPLv3 (draft 2), and appropriate use of Section 7 to define and
> > permit a release of copyleft requirements across
> > specifically-defined boundaries.
>
>  Regarding GPLv3 and DRM, is there going to be a problem wrt codecs we
>  might want to include in a design?

Only if you actually want to sue people for circumventing them.  With 
GPLv3, you are granting everyone the right to circumvent any TPM you 
might implement.

You can implement EXACTLY the same technology as any given TPM/DRM 
scheme, but if you do so under a GPLv3 license, the license says it 
isn't "really" a "TPM" for legal purposes. What that means in practical 
terms is that you are expressly waiving any right to use the DMCA to sue 
people if they "circumvent" your "TPM", because it isn't legally a "TPM" 
(even though it is exactly the same thing from a technology standpoint).

Note that this wording changed a lot from draft 1 to draft 2, and might 
change again.

Of course, IANAL, but this is my understanding.

Cheers,
Terry

-- 
Terry Hancock (hancock at AnansiSpaceworks.com)
Anansi Spaceworks http://www.AnansiSpaceworks.com