27 Jan
2006
27 Jan
'06
4:06 a.m.
IANAL but from what I understand, there are 2 issues with using the leaked
source code.
The first is that it is (C) Microsoft. This can be handled like any other
copyrighted material.
The second is that it could be considered a trade secret. I dont know that
much about trade secret law but AFAIK once something is widely distributed
(like the MS 2000 & NT4 source leaks are), it cant be considered a trade
secret anymore. I think that what the ReactOS team needs need is for a
lawyer skilled in the area of trade secret law to answer the question as to
whether the leaked MS source code is still a trade secret or not. (although
unless an actual lawsuit happens that provides a usable precedent either
with the leaked MS source code or a similar leak elsewhere, getting clear
usable advice one way or the other might not be possible)
If it is not, there is no problem with people who have seen it contributing
to any part of ReactOS (as long as there is no copyright violation). If it
is, then there is need to be more careful about people who have seen it
contributing.
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