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Originally Posted by tompe
I got an answer from Bookeen and it seems that you are right that they have a supplier which supplies them with the hardware+linux OS on it. Strange that they did not provide the Linux OS themselves.
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What's strange about it? Embedding Linux for something like this is a highly skilled endeavor. Bookeen is the designer of the device, and likely responsible for the firmware that handles actual book display, but the underlying OS kernel will be another matter.
I'm not at all surprised that hardware and OS come from a third party. Bookeen certainly isn't large enough to do their own manufacturing.
And when you are dealing with Asian suppliers, GPL violations come with the territory. First, you have the issue of getting them to
understand that the GPL requires them to release the source code, then you have the issue of enforcing the license if they balk.
That's the problem with things like GPL violations.
Someone has to have the time, money, and legal staff to bring suit and argue it in court, and the difficulties are compounded when the court is overseas.
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They mentioned that they have to force the supplier to release it. I am surprised that they started selling a product they knew broke the GPL. I tought it was just a question for them to package there code but obviously not.
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If you are a company making its living and paying its staff selling ebook readers, and your choice may be between selling a product that breaks the GPL or selling nothing, folding, and laying off your staff, which way do you jump?
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Dennis