GPL - A new rising

That GPL3 will soon be a reality is no secret. What dows remaina secret is what will the changes be. Here is an excellent three page coverage of what can be expected. With all the talk about Software Patents these days, people are of the opinion that the new GPL should address this situation.

Bruce Perens says, "I would like to see the next issue of the GPL include a mutual-defense clause regarding patents, such that if you enforce a patent against any free software, your rights to use free software terminate".

What is clear is that the version three too would have the same base clause distinguishing GPL and proprietary code. Stallman did list making compatible the GPL with other licenses as one of the changes in version 3. Another thing to watch out for is how version 3 addresses the concerns over Trusted Computing.

One wonders if there would be any clause related to the DMCA.

Only time will tell how GPL 3 does take on IP and the Patents.