[PATCH weston v2 3/4] libweston: Add check and fallback for linux/sync_file.h

[Alexandros Frantzis]

On Wed, Sep 27, 2017 at 11:57:14AM +0300, Pekka Paalanen wrote:
> On Wed, 27 Sep 2017 09:00:27 +0200
> Christian Stroetmann <stroetmann at ontolinux.com> wrote:
> 
> > On 27.09.2017 08:17, Alexandros Frantzis wrote:
> > > All that being said, I understand the reluctance to include a copy of
> > > the kernel userspace API header, since it's a grey area in terms of GPL.
> > > Google did a similar thing for bionic a few years ago, and although this
> > > move caused some concern, no definitive legal answer was given (bionic
> > > still uses a striped down version of the headers without issue today).
> > > It's unfortunate that the situation is not clearer.  
> > 
> > A definitive legal answer was given. The stripped down version of the 
> > headers is covered by the fair use clause of the copyright because it is 
> > arbitrary code respectively it is not sufficiently original and unique, 
> > and not directly connected with the individual creative expression of 
> > the authors of Linux.
> > Or said in other words, the stripped down version of the headers include 
> > common code of operating systems and when you read the stripped down 
> > version of the headers, then you are unable to confuse the origin of the 
> > code and to decide if it was written by the Linux authors, Google, or 
> > another entity.
> > Exactly for creating this legal situation the headers were stripped down 
> > from such lines of code that would have revealed its origin respectively 
> > show the connection with the authors of Linux.
> > 
> > This trick does not work for every header or other parts of software. If 
> > a header defines a very specific item, for example an array of 7 very 
> > special items that is directly connected with the rest of an author's 
> > code, work respectively individual expression, then even a header 
> > consisting of some few lines is protected by the copyright.
> 
> Hi Christian,
> 
> this is all very good to know, thank you!
> 
> 
> Thanks,
> pq

Hi Christian and Pekka,

thanks for information. In light of this information I will proceed in a
way similar to bionic and use the header after sanitizing it.

Thanks,
Alexandros