3 ms·

It says "any third party".

• pricechild 7y ago
  That language seems to exist only in GPL v1. It is also part of a list of 'or' options. You can abide by one of the other options and not need to adhere to this one.
  • teddyh 7y ago
    No, that language is in both GPLv1 and GPLv2 (in GPLv3 it’s “anyone who possesses the object code”). Yes, it’s one of a list of alternatives. The GPLv1 and GPLv2 sole applicable alternative to the written offer is to send the source code together with the compiled code; i.e. to all customers, in the box. Which they presumably didn’t do, so I don’t know why you bring it up. (GPLv3 adds the allowable alternative to point to a web page or similar where the source code may be downloaded. I.e. you don’t have to waste money by shipping a CD, you can just print the URL on a note or in the manual. But this was the GPLv2, not v3, so it’s not applicable here, nor has anyone said that any such URL was provided.)
    • pricechild 7y ago
      My mistake, you are right in that the same language appears in v2. My point is that the op commented: > No part of the GPL, as far as I'm aware, requires distribution to anyone who isn't a customer. ...and I am agreeing to this position, against fuzzyh. Specifically "anyone" != "any third party" != "any third party... unless you've abided by a) or b), which don't require distribution to 'anyone' either."
      • teddyh 7y ago
        But it’s obvious that neither a) or b) applies in this case.
  • fuzzy2 7y ago
    It’s in the quote. ^^ That’s correct, in case they actually ship the source code with the hardware, they’re complying. I very much doubt they do that. As such, option b) comes into play. The GPL FAQ is very clear on the point that "any third party" means exactly that: Anyone that gets a hold of the offer (which you’re required to provide, otherwise probably also a violation) can request the source code.