suns' java leagal issues

[Conrad Meyer]

On Monday 17 November 2008 05:53:21 pm Orcan Ogetbil wrote:
> --- On Mon, 11/17/08, Conrad Meyer  wrote:
> > On Monday 17 November 2008 05:32:07 pm Orcan Ogetbil wrote:
> > > Here are the license texts:
> > > JRE:
> > > http://java.sun.com/javase/6/jre-6u10-license.txt
> > > JDK:
> > > http://java.sun.com/javase/6/jdk-6u10-license.txt
> > >
> > > Part B's are about redistribution. They allow
> > > redistribution provided that
> > > there are no modifications.
> >
> > I'd imagine putting it into an RPM counts as
> > modification.
>
> Let's go through the requirements one-by-one ("Software" refers to Sun's
> Java):
>
> --------------------------------------------------------------
> (i) you distribute the Software complete and unmodified and
> only bundled as part of, and for the sole purpose of running,
> your Programs,
>
>
> The Software won't be modified. We are just going to put a wrap around
> their tarball.

For the nosrc rpm, yes. The target rpms will be extracted and the files 
shifted around.

> --------------------------------------------------------------
> (ii) the Programs add significant and primary functionality to
>  the Software,
>
>
> This is definitely satisfied. Out of question.
>
> --------------------------------------------------------------
> (iii)
> you do not distribute additional software intended to
> replace any component(s) of the Software,
>
>
> We are not going to distribute additional software to replace
> Sun's Java.

We already ship java-1.6.0-openjdk and gcj.


> --------------------------------------------------------------
> (iv) you do not remove or alter any proprietary legends or
> notices contained in the Software,
>
>
> Quite doable.
>
> --------------------------------------------------------------
> (v) you only distribute the Software
> subject to a license agreement that protects Sun's interests
> consistent with the terms contained in this Agreement, and
>
>
>
> Actually, we'll put the very same license text in the RPM
>
> --------------------------------------------------------------
> (vi) you agree to defend and indemnify Sun and its licensors
> from and against any damages, costs, liabilities, settlement
> amounts and/or expenses (including attorneys' fees) incurred
> in connection with any claim, lawsuit or action by any third
> party that arises or results from the use or distribution of
> any and all Programs and/or Software.
>
>
> We won't really "damage" anything that is in their tarball.
> As I said, we'll just put a "gift wrap" around it :)
>
> -oget

I'm not sure we can do this last thing. And IANAL (and I don't think you are 
either) so our analysis of this is useless anyways.

Regards,
-- 
Conrad Meyer <konrad at tylerc.org>