Comment 421 for bug 269656

Tim Post wrote:
> I suggest that the software in the main repository is either free, or it
> is not. Free means:
>
> 0 - The freedom to run the program, for any purpose
> 1 - The freedom to study how the program works and adapt it to your
> needs
> 2 - The freedom to redistribute copies so that you can help your
> neighbor.
> 3 - The freedom to improve the program, and release your improvements to
> the public so that the whole community benefits.
>
> The EULA impedes freedom 3. By using Firefox, users of free software are
> forced to give up freedom 3 by agreeing that their improvements are
> subject to laws that might not apply to them. Furthermore, those who do
> not speak English fluently may give up this right, which we have worked
> since 1984 to guarantee, unwittingly.
>
> Lets get past that point first.
>
We will not include Firefox in main if it genuinely restricts your
ability to modify it. The legal analysis of the language Mozilla has
requested continues, and the language itself is now being reconsidered,
which was the desired result.

We don't consider the existence of trademark-related modification
constraints a restraint on one of the fundamental freedoms because you
can absolutely modify the software, as long as you remove the
trademarks. The GPLv3 even acknowledges this as a common and acceptable
practice.

> Your apathy in communicating is not a reflection of my
> integrity.
>

I'm not apathetic on this issue, I'm closely involved. That I haven't
taken a stronger public position reflects that I'm unwilling to turn a
private discussion into a public flamewar. Once we are certain we have a
final position from Mozilla, we can take a final decision within Ubuntu
as to whether we can support - and enjoy the benefits of - Firefox.

Mark