[Python-Dev] License cleanup

[M.-A. Lemburg]

Fredrik Lundh wrote:
> 
> > The BSD-ish license that Python has always used is much more preferable. I
> > dislike the regulation of the "Python" name, the requirement to
> > prominently discuss modifications made, and the revocation clause.
> 
> same here.  reading the new one made me feel very
> uneasy, but I cannot really say much about it before
> I've discussed it with people who know more about
> this...

Dito.

Some comments:
"""
4.Licensee may not use CNRI trademarks or trade name, including Python or
     CNRI, in a trademark sense to endorse or promote products or services of
     Licensee, or any third party. Licensee may use the mark Python in
     connection with Licensee's derivative versions that are based on or
     incorporate the Software, but only in the form "Python-based
     ___________________," or equivalent.
"""

Say I want to sell Python 1.6 training, how would I promote this ?
Since I'm not producing a derivative work, I guess I couldn't
use the name 'Python' at all... hmm, I could probably try Pyth*n ;-)

"""
3.In the event Licensee prepares a derivative work that is based on or
     incorporates the Software or any part thereof, and wants to make the
     derivative work available to the public as provided herein, then Licensee
     hereby agrees to indicate in any such work, in a prominently visible way,
     the nature of the modifications made to CNRI's Software. 
"""

How explicit would that indication have to be ? E.g. do I have
to provide a patch or would a simple run-down of new features
suffice ?

Needless to say, I would not be able to sell products based
on Python 1.6 with the revocation clause in the license. In the
end, I'd probably have to negotiate a separate license with
CNRI not having this clause. Anything else would be unacceptable
in a commercial setting. Is this intended ?

And finally in the "Python Contribution Agreement":
"""
Licensee confirms to CNRI that, to the best of Licensee's
knowledge and belief, the Contribution is free of any claims of
parties other than Licensee under copyright, patent or other
rights or interests ("claims"). 
"""

Best knowledge and belief do not guard against law suit. Why
doesn't this text protect the contributor in some way against
charges forwarded by CNRI to the contributor ? (Note that the
disclaimer in the Python License is not valid everywhere.)

-- 
Marc-Andre Lemburg
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