On 12/18/05, Gerhard Fiedler <EraseMElistsspamBeGonespamconnectionbrazil.com> wrote:
>
> I'm not sure I understand you. Isn't a GPLed circuit pretty much the same
> as a "closed source" circuit that is too expensive for a project? The GPL
> tacked on to something is a cost. You can decide whether that cost is worth
> it. But differently to closed source developments, you at least can look at
> it and learn from it.
>
> Not sure that catches it... maybe you come up with an example?
>

I am not a legal expert but let me try with an example. Maybe I am
totally wrong.

Say if a common circuit like a follower is GPLed. We need to use it
in our design, and by use it in the circuit, our design will be consider
derived work so we will need to publish the whole circuit. That is good
if "we" do not want to earn money but not if we do want to survive.

Another example, suppose the 0.18um CMOS gate design is GPLed,
and all the 0.18um CMOS IC will be again considered as derived work.
Guess that is good to everyone except those who work for semiconductor
companies. ;-)

Just another seeming crazy example, suppose helloworld C program
is GPLed, what will happen to all the C programs?

Regards,
Xiaofan

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