More Proof That Allwinner Is Violating The GPL

[phoronix]

Phoronix: More Proof That Allwinner Is Violating The GPL

Allwinner has been accused multiple times in the past of violating the GPL license by not providing Linux/Android kernel source code or U-Boot source, along with using LGPL-licensed code within their binary blobs, etc. Today there's new "definitive proof" of Allwinner's GPL violations...

http://www.phoronix.com/scan.php?page=news_item&px=Allwinner-GPL-Violate-Proof

[speculatrix]

get allwinner products blacklisted off Ebay?

there are many products on Ebay with Allwinner SoC's in them

could we complain to ebay and get their products blacklisted? Ebay have a clear policy about this sort of thing:

"For this reason, eBay has created the Verified Rights Owner (VeRO) Programme so rights owners can report listings that infringe their rights. Any person or company who holds intellectual property rights (such as a copyright, trademark or patent) which may be infringed by listings or items sold on eBay is encouraged to participate in the VeRO Programme"

http://pages.ebay.co.uk/vero/index.html

I don't have any IPR in the items that Allwinner have misappropriated, but surely there are people who do who read Phoronix?

[speculatrix]

this is the form you need to submit to ebay:

http://pics.ebaystatic.com/aw/pics/uk/vero/UK_NOCI26-01-10.pdf

[drspinderwalf]

Great article, Michael. Thanks for bringing the issue up.

[jakubo]

will they be sued?
or is it just "morally wrong but not illegal"?

[kertoxol]

Aren't these kind of tablets full of backdoors and spymodified Google Play executables?

[Adarion]

will they be sued?
or is it just "morally wrong but not illegal"?

Violating the (L)GPL is illegal. Harald Welte managed to kick some butts in the past.
It is legally as valid as any other license so it should be obeyed. I mean, you get the code for free and with freedom, so the least you can do it to obey the license and keep the free stuff free as in freedom.

Normally they are given some time to correct things. If they absolutely don't listen and refuse, a lawsuit is an option.

[speculatrix]

here in England, copyright violation for commercial gain is a criminal offense

https://www.gov.uk/intellectual-property-crime-and-infringement

do AllWinner have an office in the UK?
Can't see one :-(

http://www.allwinnertech.com/en/about/culture.htm

really? really?
"Allwinner always sticks to the corporation value of "market-orientation, integrity and responsibility, great execution, courage and discipline, profession and quality, openness and win-win, and persistence", and insists the corporation culture of "teamwork, honest and respect, profession and fairness, faith, openness and curiosity".

[Passso]

Allwinner must absolutly be condamned for this, or we will see all vendors disregard Open Licences.

FOSS is one of the greatest win/win system in the world, what a shame to cheat on it...

[Isedonde]

http://www.allwinnertech.com/en/about/culture.htm
really? really?
"Allwinner always sticks to the corporation value of "market-orientation, integrity and responsibility, great execution, courage and discipline, profession and quality, openness and win-win, and persistence", and insists the corporation culture of "teamwork, honest and respect, profession and fairness, faith, openness and curiosity".

Wow, that's a lot of bullshit.

If ffmpeg needs money to sue them, I guess some of us would love to donate. Open up the source or stop selling your products. Your choice, Allwinner.