Bug#859793: fluidsynth: Package has infringed GPL

[Javier Serrano Polo]

Source: fluidsynth
Version: 1.1.6-4
Severity: wishlist

fluid_chorus.c is under a custom license, granting the following:

        This source code is freely redistributable and may be used for
        any purpose.

The license does not grant the right to modify the software. Therefore,
it is not compatible with GPL-2.1+ (sic) or LGPL-2.0+.

Whether intentionally or not, Debian has been distributing this software
without complying with GPL. Thus its rights have been automatically
terminated. Ceasing violation does not restore rights and a new license
should be acquired.

I will remind you of the scope of such infringement. Since Debian does
not have the right to distribute, it does not have the right to
propagate the license. All Debian-based distros and their users have not
automatically received a license through Debian.

Because of the avalanche effect of GPL, all works based on these
versions of FluidSynth have not received rights under GPL. The process
recurs: all Debian-based distros, their users, and depending works have
not received a license through this path.

I will remind you of the potential severity. Like the patent troll
phenomenon, some people profit from GPL reinstatements. The argument
exists:

        If you have redistributed an application under GPLv2, but have
        violated the terms of GPLv2, you must request a reinstatement of
        rights from the copyright holders before making further
        distributions, or else cease distribution and modification of
        the software forever.[1]

There are real cases based on this reasoning; e.g., BusyBox related.[2]
Although the Software Freedom Law Center may not be interested in
infringements caused because of FluidSynth, other parties may be. Is
there anyone against successful free audio software?

--
[1] https://www.softwarefreedom.org/resources/2008/compliance-guide.html
[2] http://www.ecommercetimes.com/story/73241.html
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