[OSM-talk] [OSM-legal-talk] OSMF - OSM usage guidelines

[Ian Sergeant]

I wrote:

> The easiest way OSM can steer clear of the possibility ot his happening,
is
> for OSM to not use anything produced by MegaMapping Inc, in any way.

Frederik Ramm <frederik at remote.org> wrote:

> It is completely illusory that
>
> 1. "not using anything produced by MegaMapping Inc." is possible for the
> individual (I might have used a MegaMapping map to get to know my area
> when I moved here 10 years ago, and this will influence my mapping)

True, but there a large separation between facing MegaMapping Inc in court
having used their maps for a purpose not directly related to OSM
development, and having used their maps as a direct part of the development
process.

> 2. "not using anything produced by MegaMapping Inc." is possible for the
> project (there will aways be someone who does it - we can discourage it
> but never make sure it doesn't happen)

Also true, but - there are things that can be done to discourage it more,
and things to discourage it less.

P2P software providers are finding out that putting a words around
disallowing copyright infringement, but tacitly allowing it is not
sufficient to avoid infringing.

> 3. "not using anything produced by MegaMapping Inc." could ever make
> sure that OSM is *not* at the receiving end of a crippling law suit.

True again, but there is always the chance of a suit, but if we use the
products of large mapping companies directly as part of the OSM mapping
process (whether for comparision, or street names, or whatever) we
inevitably increase the risks to the OSM project.

Ian.