Linked by Thom Holwerda on Thu 28th Sep 2006 22:44 UTC, submitted by csousa
Debian adheres to a strict interpretation of what is Free Software and what isn't. The Firefox logo is trademarked, so Debian doesn't consider it to be Free and will not include it as part of its distribution. Mozilla claims that using the Firefox name without the official branding is a trademark violation. Furthermore, Mozilla claims that if Debian runs any patches to the version of Firefox included with Debian distros, it has to run them by Mozilla first for approval. What all this ultimately could mean is that the Firefox name is wiped from the face of Debian and its offshoots. Debian developer Eric Dorland confirmed to internetnews.com that Debian will re-name Firefox and that the re-naming process could be completed as soon as next week.
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RE[4]: So much for freedom
by Innova on Fri 29th Sep 2006 14:08
in reply to "RE[3]: So much for freedom"
Member since:2005-09-30
and you still will be able to do this! Download firefox from the website - install it. Or, I am sure that someone will maintain a .deb of it and it may be available in non-free.
However, debian proper has a strict policy of what can be included in the free branch. A non-trademarked and properly free version of firefox included - how is that wrong?
Member since:
2006-01-01
The question is what's up with Debian screwing with Firefox? If they don't like the licensing then let people download directly from Mozilla instead of forking their own version off just because Mozilla trademarked the name.