An issue I have complained about in the past with regard to NeoOffice has resurfaced once again. This time it is the Debian project wanting to a. distribute a patched version for Firefox and b. to allow their users to modify the artwork that comes with it. But the trademark to the name and the logos belongs to Mozilla, and they want to protect their brand. Patches are supposed to be reviewed and artwork may not be modified, says Mozilla.
How can this be? A license to copy and modify and distribute does not encompass the use of a name and logo. In the NeoOffice case, they spelled it out for you: If you want to release a derivate work, you’ll have to remove the name and logo from all source files before you can exercise the right to redistribute any modification you made. It reduces the freedom given to you by the GPL. (2005-06-24 Software)
And now the Debian project is staying true to its mission and is doing just that. Thick headed bastards, but I think they are doing the right thing in the long run: Many distributions can include non-free documentation or software. But I’m happy that there is at least one distribution that makes a conscious effort to take the high road and live up to a promise they made so long ago.
a promise they made so long ago
More info on this in a Linux.com article called Behind the Debian and Mozilla dispute over use of Firefox, including a link to similar issues regarding Thunderbird
Behind the Debian and Mozilla dispute over use of Firefox
#Copyright #Trademark #Software
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Firefox is a known issue¹, it’s funny that it came up before a code freeze. I was conveyed a modified Firefox package while using Debian unstable. Who cares if a bunch of people are going to start pressing CDs. I guess it’s a strategic time for one side to demand requirements be met in a marked “stable” distribution, while the other side is praying for mercy because their deadline is approaching. This really should have been handled better. And I think Debian is at fault. I won’t bring up that they shouldn’t have been sidetracked by GFDL stuff earlier this year. Debian also assumes they can push the Social Contract and DFSG freeness in a strong arm technique even the FSF would be jealous of.
– AaronHawley 2006-10-16 16:27 UTC
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Apparently, even Microsoft gave a nod to the Mozilla team for their release of a new version.² Maybe it’s Microsoft’s recognition that Mozilla is a fellow proprietary Web browser developer, or I’m just falsely accusing Mozilla of being “guilty by association”.
– AaronHawley 2006-10-26 21:15 UTC