[OSGeo-Discuss] process for copyright assignment

[Cameron Shorter]

As mentioned on the Openlayers list,
I think that one of OSGeo's role is to protect its association with quality
software, which is done through the incubation process. Assigning copyright
to OSGeo provides an association with the OSGeo project, and hence there is
the potential for the project to dilute the OSGeo brand if not done
properly.

I like the idea of asking projects to join OSGeo Labs if assigning copyright
to OSGeo, as it makes clear the project has not proven its quality yet, and
hence the OSGeo brand is not weakened.

On Tue, Apr 7, 2009 at 6:10 AM, Tim Schaub <tschaub at opengeo.org> wrote:

> Hey-
>
> I'm hoping to hear some discussion that results in the creation of
> guidelines for new, pre-incubation projects wishing to assign copyright to
> OSGeo.
>
> Ideally, these guidelines would be as simple as:
>  1) Follow instructions for becoming a "labs" project
> http://wiki.osgeo.org/wiki/OSGeo_Labs
>  2) Follow instructions on assigning copyright
> http://wiki.osgeo.org/wiki/Project_Copyright_Assignment
>
> Both of the above pages would require some modification.
>
> I'd suggest a section on the labs page about "becoming a labs project"
> (perhaps as simple as editing that wiki page).
>
> On the copyright page, it would be nice if the preferred template replaced
> the old one and if there were some instruction on what to do with a signed
> agreement (e.g. mail to X).
>
> Does this seem reasonable?
>
> This has been brought up previously ([1], [2]).  Previous suggestions have
> been "don't ask, just assign" and "ask existing project to accept
> governance."  Since the former feels sleazy and the latter assumes some
> existing project is motivated to assist the new project, I'm hoping there
> can be something in between.
>
> Also, since I don't pretend to understand all the implications of assigning
> copyright, I would accept "OSGeo doesn't encourage this" as an answer.
>
> Thanks for any ideas (and I'm happy to help with drafting any guidelines).
>
> Tim
>
>
> [1] http://n2.nabble.com/copyright-question-td2088465.html
> [2] http://n2.nabble.com/Starting-new-projects-under-OSGEO-td2083937.html
>
> --
> Tim Schaub
> OpenGeo - http://opengeo.org
> Expert service straight from the developers.
> _______________________________________________
> Discuss mailing list
> Discuss at lists.osgeo.org
> http://lists.osgeo.org/mailman/listinfo/discuss
>



-- 
Cameron Shorter
Geospatial Systems Architect
Tel: +61 (0)2 8570 5050
Mob: +61 (0)419 142 254

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