Linked by Thom Holwerda on Wed 11th Oct 2006 14:46 UTC, submitted by brewin
As previously reported, Debian plans to release its newest version, Etch, in December, and wants Mozilla's Firefox Web browser to be part of the distribution. Mozilla, however, told Debian it couldn't release the software without its accompanying artwork. Now a legal expert says that the existing distinctions between copyright and trademark laws should have prevented this from becoming an issue in the first place. Steven J. Vaughan-Nichols also discusses the issue.
Permalink for comment 170878
To read all comments associated with this story, please click here.
To read all comments associated with this story, please click here.
Recent Original Stories
Recent Comments
Headlines
Random Comments
Random Stories
Random OS Link
Member since:
2006-05-04
So the Firefox artwork has a non-free license, big deal. They have a right to protect the artwork like they have a right to protect the Firefox name.
Of course they have that right. The point is that the non-free license for the Firefox artwork really is a big deal for Debian. Debian wants to be a completely free operating system.
Debian is not being petty, Debian is sticking to its ideals.
I can understand both Mozilla's point of view regarding branding, and Debian's point of view. I also think the rename is the best solution for Debian (and Mozilla). With the rename, they can independently decide which patches they add to the official firefox code, without first needing to get permission from Mozilla. I hope this does not result in a real fork, however. (and I don't think that's the intention of the Debian developers) I hope they just keep using the official firefox code, but with the rename and any patches they think are worthwhile.