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5cript / interval-tree

A C++ header only interval tree implementation.
Creative Commons Zero v1.0 Universal
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Unlicense is invalid in some jurisdictions #14

Closed Cu3PO42 closed 3 years ago

Cu3PO42 commented 3 years ago

Hey there,

it looks like you've created a wonderful library, which I'd love to use for a project. Unfortunately, the Unlicense is legally void in some jurisdictions, such as Germany, where I'm from. The core problem is that under German law you, the author of a work, have certain rights which you cannot relinquish under any circumstance, hence you cannot fully put a work in the public domain. It may or may not be problematic in other jurisdictions, see this thread on StackExchange. However, since I'm not familiar with other legal systems, I can't comment on the validity of other remarks.

Since you released your code under the Unlicense, I assume your intent is for it to useful to as many people as possible. In that regard, may I recommend to you to either dual license under the Unlicense and another relatively free license such as the MIT license, or to maybe switch to CC0, which has much of the same intent, but handles varying legal systems better.

Thank you for your consideration.

5cript commented 3 years ago

I understand. Yes my intention is to mark this repository as public domain. I strongly believe that basic data structures like this one should not be "owned". I have opted to switch to CC0 for now. I hope that this is not problematic for current users of this library. I also do not want to infer any limitations whatsoever (except for maybe patenting this work as is, which unlicense does not prevent as far as i understand). I will leave this open until replied or closed by you.

Cu3PO42 commented 3 years ago

Thank you! I fully understand your intention behind choosing the Unlicense and I think the CC0 is compatible with that as well. As for the rights you cannot relinquish, I believe mostly § 14 UrhG is problematic: it roughly states that others may not deface your work in such a way that it is harmful to you or your interests in regards to the specific work. Although the usual IANAL disclaimer applies.

For everyone who previously opted to use this project under the Unlicense, the good news is: they can continue to do so. Having obtained the code under that particular license (which does not have any expiry date built in), they can continue to use it as such. You could also, at your option, offer the source code under either the CC0 or the Unlicense.