Zeropaid Exclusive: Last week Streamcast Networks released Morpheus 2.0. As previously stated here, it uses the code of Jtella. However Streamcast Networks used Jtella source code without any authorization from Jtella and broke just about every rule under which you may use the Jtella source code. Stremcast Networks are engaging in massive copyright infringement. Understandably the Jtella Developers are very angry.
Jtella developers have spent the last few days looking into Morpheus 2.0. They have told me that Morpheus is in violation of LGPL (the licence under which you can use Jtella code) because
-
1) Section 4 requires distribution of the source code. Even a link from the
same location that Morpheus is downloaded would satisfy this requirement.
There is no link to http://jtella.sourceforge.net/ or any other source
download link anywhere in either the product or the website. -
2) Section 6 requires prominent notice of the Jtella product (there is
another LGPL library being used as well) and mention of the product and its
copyrights in all places where the Morpheus copyright is displayed. The
splash screen and the install-time license both display product copyright
information but there is no mention of Jtella or any other product with the
exception of Microsoft and Windows. The only location you can find a
reference to jtella is in the actual product directory where a file called
jtella.txt includes information on the jtella library. Since users are
discouraged by Microsoft from ever looking in the product installation
directories (the latest versions of windows even hide the contents by
default), this is by no reasonable estimation a “prominent” location.
Jtella have contacted Streamcast Networks over what can only be regarded as a theft of code. They are awaiting a response.
Meanwhile, Slyck revealed that Streamcast Networks are also probably using the source Code of Furthurnet in Morpheus 2.0. I have been in contact with several members of the Furthernet over Streamcast using their code. They told me that once again Streamcast Networks did not contact them with regard to using their code. They also said that they were uncertain if Streamcast are breaking Furthurnet’s licensing requirements. However, they revealed something interesting: The person who wrote the original Furthur program left the project and went to work for Morpheus. The developer may have just copied Furthurnet’s look or used code that developer had writen himself with Furthurnet.
What Steamcast Networks have done with Morpheus 2.0 is just plain wrong. It does not require much effort to give proper credit to Jtella. They are just passing off other people’s hard work as their own.
Related Posts
- Slyck’s Streamcast Morpheus Interview
- Updated: Morpheus 2.0 Released
- StreamCast Hires New Attorney
- Morpheus takes a stand — again
- Morpheus on security leak
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