[SOLVED] Ubuntu Licence Thing

Zssfssz · 12-30-2011, 12:59 PM

According to the GNU website I am not allowed to distribute unmodified copys of Ubuntu. What do they mean by this? Like I can't setup an unofficial mirror or that I cant give the install cd to my grandma or something else?

T3RM1NVT0R · 12-30-2011, 01:13 PM

Hi Zssfssz,

Could you please share the link where you read this. There is no license required for Ubuntu and you are free to handover the CD to anyone.

If you could share the link then we can see if they have come up with something new.

k3lt01 · 12-30-2011, 01:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zssfssz

According to the GNU website I am not allowed to distribute unmodified copys of Ubuntu. What do they mean by this? Like I can't setup an unofficial mirror or that I cant give the install cd to my grandma or something else?

I think you have interpreted things wrong but regardless of that Ubuntu encourages you to download and burn disks so you can show friends and family. Up until the last 12 months they even sent disks out for free but, and it is understandable to a degree, that can cost alot of money so they stopped doing it.

Zssfssz · 12-30-2011, 02:26 PM

It was under "Why isn't my popular Linux distribution in the list"
http://www.gnu.org/distros/common-distros.html
Scroll Down to Ubuntu and read the last paragraph.

ajlewis2 · 12-30-2011, 02:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zssfssz

It was under "Why isn't my popular Linux distribution in the list"
http://www.gnu.org/distros/common-distros.html
Scroll Down to Ubuntu and read the last paragraph.

"Ubuntu's trademark policy prohibits commercial redistribution of exact copies of Ubuntu, denying an important freedom."

I did not know this. The emphasis here is on "commercial" though. Giving it away is fine. I'm interested to see if anyone has more info on this bit about not being allowed to sell it. Not that I'm selling it. I doubt anyone would buy from me. LOL

T3RM1NVT0R · 12-30-2011, 03:03 PM

@ ajlewis2

Do you like to pay for the product which is available for free ;-)

@ Zssfssz

Here is the link for Ubuntu trademark policy which says that you are free to use it and it is free as long as you are not intending to use for commercial purpose.

Ubuntu trademark policy: http://www.ubuntu.com/aboutus/trademarkpolicy

Read the section Restricted use that requires a trademark licence and you will understand when/where the license is required.

k3lt01 · 12-30-2011, 04:03 PM

Trademarks are intellectual property, you cannot use a trademark as your own unless you own it. So it makes sense that you cannot sell something as your own if you do not own it doesn't it. Therefore you cannot sell Ubuntu BUT you can sell the disks (for the price they are worth nothing more) with Ubuntu on them. There are many disk providers doing this.

Zssfssz · 12-30-2011, 07:08 PM

Sorry I speed read and missed the commercial word! Thanks, I got nervous that I would get sued for giving that to my sister to install