Copyright Infringement in Linkstar

Products & Technology
#1

Hi,

I really like the idea of the Linkstar, and I’ve ordered one through DigiKey and have downloaded the binaries. However, I notice that the source for the various OS binaries doesn’t seem to be available. I am copyright holder for parts of Busybox, Debian (and thus Ubuntu, Lubuntu and other variants) and other Open Source software that you distribute for Linkstar. Distribution of the binaries without availability of the source code is copyright infringement. Your license to distribute the binaries is the GPL, without that you have no license to distribute the binaries, and you are not in compliance with the GPL at this time.

You have a really cool company and make great hardware. Please put that source up now. You will notice that the Wifi 6 driver is in the latest Linux kernel source, so there should be no technical limitations that keep you from doing so.

If you have questions or need help understanding how to fullfill your GPL requirements, I am happy to help you for free. Call +1 510-4PERENS or write to bruce@perens.com .

Thanks

Bruce
2 Likes
#2

Hi , This is interesting. How long does a company have to meet those req’s ?
TIA
GL :slight_smile:

#3

Hi,

The copyright holders have a choice of when to enforce. I am far from the only copyright holder, so presumably someone else could choose to enforce, but I doubt it.

In general, you have to be stupid to be sued for violating the GPL, since compliance is much easier. My regular job is helping the violators fix their problem and comply with the GPL. But I am not looking for money here, just compliance. And there have been stupid people, but in general these things have gone on for years before they get to courts.

Thanks

Bruce
#4

Very fascinating angle, If they use the GPL code in there distributed binaries then the source must be available covered by the existing GPL ? is that the jist,? I hope they do. I think ITEAD is doing something similar with the PSF-B series WIFI Module to get ewelink (Google & Alexa)support right out of the box. I used them allot., also like the lora boards too. They all ship with customized versions of the original works but If you wipe the firmware . You are SOL. Seems to me those binaries they are shipping on there silicon pre burnt should be made available ? SMH?


So if a Copywrite holder with deep pocket comes along ??
TIA
GL :slight_smile: