Re: Are they obligued to give me the source code?

Michael Schnell wrote:
In Germany a judge just ruled that they need to provide the source code on a hardware medium (such as CD) and need to provide a written copy of the GPL together with the hardware device.

-Michael

There is a distinction here (in the GPL - I don't know about the case ruling). I don't believe you have to provide a full copy of the GPL in physical form (that would not apply to downloaded code, for example), but they have to either provide the source code from the same source as the binary (e.g., a CD accompanying the hardware), or a written offer, valid for 3 years, to provide the source code on request. I believe that they must provide information to this effect along with the binary (or the hardware, in this case). There is no obligation to provide you with a CD containing the source code - it is enough that they will give you such a CD (possibly charging an administration fee) on request.
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