Dear Haavard,
In message 20090707155005.2e4a4d6d@hskinnemoen-d830 you wrote:
The point is that GPLv2 results in situations where you cannot use and modify your own software any more because it is "protected" and any versions you build don't run.
But this is a problem with the _hardware_, not the software. I think placing restrictions on the hardware design is way outside the scope of a software license.
I'm only talking about software (code and data) here. If I cannot change (or just rebuild) the (Free!) software any more because to actually run it I need some secret data (like a signature) then this is still a software problem. One that can be prevented by releasing the software under adequate licensing terms.
In my experience, the most popular AVR-based boards are the ones that not only allow the firmware to be replaced freely, but which actively encourage modification by making lots of signals available through expansion headers. This kind of "hackability" can never be enforced through any kind of software license.
Agreed. Hardware should be hackable, too :-) (which includes documentation where you don't have to sell your soul and sign NDAs that are plain evil).
Best regards,
Wolfgang Denk