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| author | Guido van Rossum <guido@python.org> | 1999-11-05 15:21:08 (GMT) |
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| committer | Guido van Rossum <guido@python.org> | 1999-11-05 15:21:08 (GMT) |
| commit | fd6aabbb35346e0e82415d364e9c8692b3cda9d7 (patch) | |
| tree | 7e701f09be18c6d28de89668fceb6f529efb29fd /Misc/legalfaq.txt | |
| parent | e4f13660f80d1324f066b32a6b54fce7d875635c (diff) | |
| download | cpython-fd6aabbb35346e0e82415d364e9c8692b3cda9d7.zip cpython-fd6aabbb35346e0e82415d364e9c8692b3cda9d7.tar.gz cpython-fd6aabbb35346e0e82415d364e9c8692b3cda9d7.tar.bz2 | |
Checking in text versions of release forms and explanation.
Diffstat (limited to 'Misc/legalfaq.txt')
| -rw-r--r-- | Misc/legalfaq.txt | 77 |
1 files changed, 77 insertions, 0 deletions
diff --git a/Misc/legalfaq.txt b/Misc/legalfaq.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..0233149 --- /dev/null +++ b/Misc/legalfaq.txt @@ -0,0 +1,77 @@ +Frequently Asked Questions about CNRI's legal policy regarding +contributions to Python + +If you have a question that isn't answered here, please write +<guido@python.org> + +Q. What are the legal requirements for contributions to Python? + +CNRI's lawyers recommend that we collect legal agreements for all new +contributions. For small contributions, a simple two-paragraph note +in the email containing the contribution suffices (see +bugrelease.txt). For more substantial contribution, we require a +mailed signed copy of a simple form (see wetsign.txt). We have tried +to make the legal language as simple as possible. + +Q. Why does CNRI require this? + +In order to make it possible to protect Python against potential +infringements. Other organizations that distribute free software do +the similar things; for example, the GNU project requires a much more +strongly worded form, assigning all copyrights to the Free Software +Foundation, for all contributions to GNU software. + +Q. When is a contribution small enough to require only an email note? + +This is determined by us on a per-contribution basis. Up to 20 lines +of patches typically qualify as small; however if you manage to do +something truly spectacular in 20 lines or less we may ask you to send +in the signature form anyway. + +Q. I have contributed to Python in the past. Should I sign and mail +in a form now? + +Yes, please. We are in the process of getting wet signatures for all +major contributions to Python up to now. If you contributed a module +or more, we'll try to get in touch with you; you can save us the +effort and mail us the signed form right away! + +Q. Do I have to accurately list everything I contributed? + +No. If you made multiple contributions in the past, it is sufficient +to write in the form under "description" something like "everything +I've contributed until <date>." If you continue to make +significant contributions in the future, you can send us an update +form using a similar formulation every once in a while. + +Q. Can I send in a form to cover all my future contributions? + +No. However it's okay if you send in a form, say, once a year, +covering all your contributions from the last time you sent one in +until the date you sign the new form. + +Q. Does the form protect me against copyright or patent infringement +suits? + +If you infringe somebody's rights, no form in the world that you sign +can protect you. The form only protects CNRI, because the act of +collecting the forms shows that CNRI is doing "due diligence" +regarding asserting the origin of contributions. + +Q. Does the form protect me against claims from damage resulting from +use of my contribution? + +We have reluctantly added a paragraph wherein you disclaim all +warranties etc. You may see this as some form of protection. However +the law regarding such disclaimers is complicated and varies widely +between states and countries, and the particular disclaimer used on +the form may not cover you in all cases. + +Q. Does the form transfer my copyrights to CNRI? + +No. CNRI only gets certain non-exclusive rights. See the form for +the exact list of rights. + +Q. If I don't sign, will my past contributions be removed from Python? + +That is up to CNRI's lawyers to decide. |