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Can we upload a DVD iso with proprietary software in it?

Asked by Theodotos Andreou

The CypriotTeam is going to give some presentations in some intermediate schools here in Cyprus. We are going to create a bootable customized DVD based on Intrepid with additional software on it so that it would be easier for the students. Some of these software are proprietary (flashplugin-nonfree, sun-java6-plugin, skype, google-earth, codecs) and I wonder if this is acceptable by Launchpad/Ubuntu policies.

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Michael Nelson (michael.nelson) said : 		#1

Hi Theodotos!

Normally projects that are not (or cannot be) licensed under an open source license need to purchase a commercial license to use Launchpad (see https://answers.edge.launchpad.net/launchpad/+faq/208 for more details).

But even with such a license, I'm not certain that you would be able to bundle the proprietary software you propose? Perhaps you've already got permission, but as an example the Skype distribution agreement at:

http://www.skype.com/intl/en/legal/promote/distribute/

states that:

1.3 You will not distribute other products or services together with Skype Software, unless You are a publisher of computer magazines for end users and distribute the Skype Software with Your magazine(s) for free.

I wonder if another solution might be to bundle your OS with the sources.list entries ready to go, somehow so that the software will be installed as soon as the OS updates?

Hope that helps.

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Theodotos Andreou (theodotos) said : 		#2

This is not a different OS. It's just Intrepid buddle with extra educational and other useful apps.

I was afraid that it would be complicated due to licenses. I am wondering though... How can nUbuntu and Ubuntu-eee are able to bundle proprietary software (flash and skype respectively) without problems. Or is it that nobody bothered to sue them yet? :)

Anyway, I guess we will have to stick to free software and give them instructions on how to install the rest.

Thanks Michael!

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Michael Nelson (michael.nelson) said : 		#3

No problem Theodotos. Just FYI: it is possible to get permission from commercial companies to bundle the software. It migth be worth asking.

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Theodotos Andreou (theodotos) said : 		#4

Good Idea. We could try it and see what happens.