[OSM-talk] geonames considered harmful

[SteveC]

* @ 22/08/06 12:03:09 PM emil79 at gmail.com wrote:
> On 8/22/06, SteveC <steve at asklater.com> wrote:
> >No, it means we (and geonames) don't have a right to the data at all.
> 
> If you believe that taking coordinates off a map (I assume that's
> what's being done here) is copying data that embodies original
> creative work, and hence work that falls under copyright. Some people
> here think that copyright applies to any 1's and 0's that someone
> creates. It doesn't - it only applies to creative works. And even then
> there is Fair Dealing.

I've asked for a legal opinion which I'll post back to the list.

Yes, it is my assertion that placing pins on maps is a derivative work.
It's also my opinion that a webservice and total dumps are not fair
dealing. It's also my opinion that geonames cannot release it under any
license they choose.

have fun,

SteveC steve at asklater.com http://www.asklater.com/steve/