AFAIK, the GPL is not aimed at protecting so-called 'intellectual property'. What it *does* try to do is to make software accessible to whoever needs it, regardless of how rich or poor they may be.
If our model is to build up ourselves into a Bill Gates, then this is perhaps problematic. But if our concern is to make software accessible to the vast majority of a country like, say, India, this is indeed something very innovative.
It is also a powerful tool to ensure that knowledge remains -- as it has long been, for most part -- in the public domain. The GPL also recognises that much of what we call knowledge is based on prior-knowledge of others. If we block the cycle of innovation by concepts like 'intellectual property', the entire humanity will be poorer off.
Incidentally, my friend in Finland, Niranjan Rajani, has done a study which indicates that terms which we take so much for granted today (like 'intellectual property') was first used just in 1968, with the formation of the 'World Intellectual Property Organisation' or WIPO.
Apart from a few individuals, do the bulk of the people of this planet have anything to gain from such concepts?
This is just my view and understanding. Copying it to others from FSF-India, who could also give their perspective on the issue. FN
Message: 3 Date: Mon, 7 Apr 2003 05:51:18 +0200 From: Satuluri Venkata Rahul srahul@vanenburg.com Subject: Doubts on the GNU Public Licensing
Hi,
I have a question about the GNU PL. How does the GNU PL protect intellectual property rights?
I am aware that the question is open ended. It potentially invites numerous discussions on aspects like patenting, documentation et al. Please help me (and possibly more newbie colleagues of this grp) develop a comprehensive view about the issues involved.
Regards Venkata Rahul