Discussion Committee B
Minutes for the phone meeting of 20 June 2006

Focused on items that have not yet been discussed and which might profit from discussion without awaiting the next discussion draft.

C5: Applying GPL To Silicon Chips

Much is built in software stages of chip development (VHDL is like high level language; RTL is like assembly language).

Sun has released a chip under the GPL2.

Process IP can also makes its way into the design at the later stages. Don't want the process IP to be required to be made available under the GPL.

Initial reaction was that FSF generally agreed with the comments posted in issue C5.

Understand what is required by GPL. Proprietary cells (like libraries). Designs that include proprietary aspects. software description embodied in hardware should be like mere aggregation.

Additional permission could  be given to include proprietary process technology.

C27: Liberty or death and government agencies

Could be impacted by language changes in second draft. 

Interesting policy issue - governmental entity imposing GPL-inconsistent restrictions. FCC and FDA examples.

C29: Warranty disclaimer capitalization

Some consideration should be given to whether ALL CAPS give prima facie application.

More use of caps is being considered, but won't be reflected in second draft.

C33: Disclaimer of warranty of non-infringement

Seems like an appropriate addition.

Committee B face-to-face

Timing:

• not to soon after release of next draft. Leave time for phone meetings to accomplish what they can accomplish.

• adequately in advance of the next draft to be useful.

1st half of September?