Re: XChat seems to be ignoring the LGPL

[James Henstridge <james jamesh id au>]

On 10/09/04 17:11, Martyn Russell wrote:

> As long as the object files are made available *somewhere* (perhaps on
> the web site?) it shouldn't be a problem.  
>
> They *may* even be able to get away with only providing the object files
> if requested (not sure about that one).
>  
The LGPL section 6 gives them 5 options.  Since they aren't distributing 
source code or object files with the program they haven't chosen option 
(a).  They are using static linking so haven't chosen option (b).  The 
object files/source code is not available from the xchat distribution 
site (they do have a source tarball, but it doesn't correspond to the 
Windows binary, since it doesn't include the registration key checking 
code).

That means that they would need to provide a written offer for the 
source code or object files with the binary, or ensure that the 
recipient already has them.  If there is such an offer displayed during 
installation or in a file distributed with xchat (eg. a readme or 
license file), then he is not violating GTK's license.

It isn't enough to provide them on request without telling the recipient 
that they can request them.

> What utilities they use in particular that should be shipped?
>  
Only the source code or object files need be shipped/made available.

James.

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