Following up on
Java ME GPL Clarification by Terrence Barr, Sun Java Mobile & Embedded Evangelist, I asked for a bit more clarification on Java ME vs. GPL licensing model vs. Intellectual Property related to contributed code…
Question:
When contributing code to phoneMe and/or the "runtime", such code becomes also GPL. What about the IP related to the contributed code? Is there something to be aware of w.r.t. giving up rights to the IP? in other words, who owns the IP at the end/after the contribution?
Roger Brinkley from Sun Microsystems responds:
From the Free and Open Source Java FAQ: Q: Do I lose any rights to my contribution under the Sun Contributor Agreement (SCA)? [Note: Sun requires that contributors to all of its Free and open-source projects sign the Sun Contributor Agreement (SCA) - for more information, see the FAQ] A: Unlike some other contribution agreements that require you to transfer copyrights to an organization, the SCA does not take away any of your rights to your contributed intellectual property. When you agree to the SCA, you grant Sun joint ownership in copyright, and a patent license for your contributions. You retain all rights, title, and interest in your contributions and may use them for any purpose you wish.
ceo