proper copyright

[greg.rundlett at gmail.com (Greg Rundlett)]

On 3/21/07, Stephen Adler <adler at stephenadler.com> wrote:
> Guys,
>
> I'm thinking of writing a software package in the open source/free
> software framework. From a legal standpoint, what do I need to do to
> make it truly free. Basically, I want to protect the project from being
> high jacked by some entity in the private industry since the source code
> will be sitting out there freely down loadable. Do I need to add a
> license clause to each text file? Do I need to setup a web page filled
> with legal language? If someone does take the code and repackages in
> close source form for sale, what legal action could I take to stop them?
>

You want the GPL

http://www.gnu.org/copyleft/gpl.html

The page above includes instructions on how to incorporate the license
into your work.  The GPL is the license with the strongest guarantee
that no corporation can sell your work without a) providing the source
and b) disclosing enhancements (giving back).

It still happens, but violations can usually be brought into
compliance with the license.

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