Question about BuSL / transform-on-time licenses
Joe Brockmeier <[email protected]>
| Newsgroups | gmane.linux.debian.devel.legal |
|---|---|
| Organization | LWN |
| Message-ID | <20240729143923.3e60eb92@fedora> |
Hi all, The Fedora Project is discussing how to properly represent code that was originally licensed under the Business Source License (BuSL) and other licenses that transform on time. [1] Specifically - let's say there's a project that uses the Business Source License (BuSL) and is supposed to convert to GPL after N years. Obviously, the GPL is an acceptable license for Debian - but what steps would be required to ensure the entire codebase had converted so that no parts would still be under BuSL? I'm wondering if the Debian Project has a position on this that's documented somewhere, or if this has come up yet? I'm specifically interested in how the project would address risk / confirm that the whole codebase had transformed or if Debian would avoid a (formerly) BuSL licensed project entirely. [2] I'd skimmed through the archives but haven't found anything - which doesn't mean it does not exist, I may just have failed in my searching. [1] https://lwn.net/ml/fedora-legal/CALC7GWw7F5Bz_+5GTGW1+3xz1DZg5RLn=Bxi-r7Rt_x0UqNAow@mail.gmail.com/ [2] https://lwn.net/ml/fedora-legal/CAC1cPGztsUD5D5xo4aUKpgypwVZ+rzE_PZVnMNEb-_pkGg+Mqg@mail.gmail.com/