Reply to post: Re: This isn't a kudos moment.

Apache says 'no' to Facebook code libraries

Anonymous Coward
Anonymous Coward

Re: This isn't a kudos moment.

This has nothing to do with compatibility, or otherwise, with the Apache Software License. It's a policy decision of the Apache Software Foundation. Patent grants can be handled outside of the core license - patents being distinct from copyright. It's possible for software to be Apache-compatible Licensed and used by ASF governed projects as long as there are sufficient assurances around the patents.

And they're doing plenty of other people a favour by putting a stop to this kind of thing. the +PATENTS model FB are using is toxic. It'll spread to huge numbers of derivative works in an uncertain and unpredictable manner. To quote the particularly scary bit..

"The license granted hereunder will terminate, automatically and without notice, if you (or any of your subsidiaries, corporate affiliates or agents) initiate directly or indirectly, or take a direct financial interest in, any Patent Assertion: against Facebook or any of its subsidiaries or corporate affiliates, ..."

That's fucking terrifying stuff for both producers and consumers of open source software.

The impact on the Hadoop ecosystem will be minimal. The main vendors have been required to run full dependency-tree license/patent compliance reports for a few years now in order to meet the terms of their FSI customers. That particular ship was put in order some time ago.

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