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diff --git a/Misc/legalfaq.txt b/Misc/legalfaq.txt deleted file mode 100644 index 0233149..0000000 --- a/Misc/legalfaq.txt +++ /dev/null @@ -1,77 +0,0 @@ -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. |