Re: [Boost-users] derivative work

From: Noah Roberts (roberts.noah_at_[hidden])
Date: 2007-06-11 12:19:28

Ruediger Berlich wrote:
> Hi there,
> 
> just a short question about the meaning of "derivative work" in the Boost
> software license (and the associated requirement to list the Copyright and
> license terms in such work).
> 
> My understanding of the term "derivative work" is that it applies to
> modifications of the original code only, not to software _using_ the code.
> I.e., if I were to modify the code in shared_ptr.hpp, then of course I
> would have to include the original Copyright notices and license terms.
> 
> Whereas, if I use shared_ptr in my software, I do not need to list the
> original Copyright notices and license terms. Plus, the Copyright of my own
> cose is solely with me.
> 
> Is this interpretation correct ?
> 
> Best Regards and thanks for your help,
> Ruediger Berlich

Ask a lawyer.  It is my understanding that derivative means a work based 
on something.  Since your code uses shared_ptr it would then be "based 
on" shared_ptr.

I also think you only need to list the copyright in the code if you give 
it out.