Request for feedback about "Genode Component Public License"

[Norman Feske]

Dear Genode community,

today, I'd like to present an idea that developed over the past three
years during discussions with various contributors and users about the
prospect of a Genode-based business ecosystem.

As you certainly know, Genode Labs pursues a dual-licensing business
model, which allows us to fund the development of Genode as an
independent team. Our licensing business is enabled by the combination
of the AGPLv3 as a strong copyleft license with the library-like nature
of Genode. Until today, this model is limited to our company. To foster
a sustainable ecosystem around Genode, we wish to enable others to
pursue a similar business model while maintaining the spirit of open
collaboration and free software.

We eventually crafted a new license called "Genode Component Public
License" (Genode CPL) specifically for components developed by 3rd
parties, outside of Genode Labs. Please find the rationale, license
text, and FAQ under the following link (which is not officially
reachable from the website yet):

  https://genode.org/documentation/articles/component_public_license

Before I go forward with publicly announcing the article at genode.org,
I would very much appreciate your feedback, in particular:

* How does the rationale and approach given in the description resonate
  with you?

* Do you see any potential for controversies or uncertainties?

* If you are in the business of producing proprietary software, would
  the Genode CPL create an incentive to open up your products without
  putting your business at risk?

I'm very much aware that licensing is a delicate topic. To avoid
hot-heated controversies and mis-interpretation, I encourage everyone to
carefully read the "Questions and Answers" Section of the article before
commenting.

I'm looking forward to your feedback!

Best regards
Norman

-- 
Dr.-Ing. Norman Feske
Genode Labs

https://www.genode-labs.com · https://genode.org

Genode Labs GmbH · Amtsgericht Dresden · HRB 28424 · Sitz Dresden
Geschäftsführer: Dr.-Ing. Norman Feske, Christian Helmuth