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Re: The code/infringement debacle. (Updated /w Source Code)

Posted: September 24th, 2014, 1:36 am
by Retron Tèch
I'd like to clarify one point regarding the allegations over at libretro.com: we are not using any of RetroArch in our "frontend" (libretron.so). While it is true that a few ASM functions from RetroArch were previously found in our frontend library, these were merely remnants of old test code which we unfortunately forgot to remove. The offending code has been removed as of the v2.0 update. We're sorry that this code was left in the binary up until recently; it was merely an oversight on our part. Furthermore as you will see from the source release of the emulator cores, we have our own interface between the frontend and the core plugins, totally different from that used by RetroArch itself.

As our frontend does not include any code from the RetroArch frontend then it does not fall under GPLv3 as they claim, and thus is not bound by any of the anti "TIVO-ization" stuff.

Re: The code/infringement debacle. (Updated /w Source Code)

Posted: September 24th, 2014, 2:13 am
by hikaricore
Retron Tèch wrote:I'd like to clarify one point regarding the allegations over at libretro.com: we are not using any of RetroArch in our "frontend" (libretron.so). While it is true that a few ASM functions from RetroArch were previously found in our frontend library, these were merely remnants of old test code which we unfortunately forgot to remove. The offending code has been removed as of the v2.0 update. We're sorry that this code was left in the binary up until recently; it was merely an oversight on our part. Furthermore as you will see from the source release of the emulator cores, we have our own interface between the frontend and the core plugins, totally different from that used by RetroArch itself.

As our frontend does not include any code from the RetroArch frontend then it does not fall under GPLv3 as they claim, and thus is not bound by any of the anti "TIVO-ization" stuff.
I suppose this sounds plausible. I guess we'll see what happens when crazy tweakers start disecting the new build. Thanks for being so open about the situation here. It has restored a little faith.

Re: The code/infringement debacle. (Updated /w Source Code)

Posted: September 24th, 2014, 6:50 pm
by Sonny_Jim
Let's just ignore the LibRetro issue for a minute, could you explain this:

I downloaded this from your website to read the SNES9X license details:
http://www.retron5.in/downloads/RetroN5 ... 140923.zip

In snes9x-license.txt from that above zipfile it says this:
Permission to use, copy, modify and/or distribute Snes9x in both binary
and source form, for non-commercial purposes, is hereby granted without
fee, providing that this license information and copyright notice appear
with all copies and any derived work.

This software is provided 'as-is', without any express or implied
warranty. In no event shall the authors be held liable for any damages
arising from the use of this software or it's derivatives.

Snes9x is freeware for PERSONAL USE only. Commercial users should
seek permission of the copyright holders first.
Commercial use includes,
but is not limited to, charging money for Snes9x or software derived from
Snes9x, including Snes9x or derivatives in commercial game bundles, and/or
using Snes9x as a promotion for your commercial product.
In the same zipfile, I looked at license.txt for the Genesis emulator, which states this:
Redistribution and use of this code or any derivative works are permitted
provided that the following conditions are met:

* Redistributions may not be sold, nor may they be used in a commercial
product or activity.
Now if I am understanding this correctly, that would say to me that you aren't allowed to include Genesis Plus GX in your commercial product.

Question:
Seeing as you are obviously a commercial user, have you contacted any of the dev teams for Snes9x/Genesis Plus GX for their permission to use their code in your commercial product?

Re: The code/infringement debacle. (Updated /w Source Code)

Posted: September 25th, 2014, 2:04 am
by hikaricore
I have added the following links to the original post in tinyurl form to keep it tidy:

http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2014/0 ... r_creators
http://www.libretro.com/index.php/hyper ... -problems/

Re: The code/infringement debacle. (Updated /w Source Code)

Posted: September 29th, 2014, 8:02 pm
by hikaricore
Adding an article from joystiq: http://www.joystiq.com/2014/09/28/retro ... -licenses/

Really not much new here.

Re: The code/infringement debacle. (Updated /w Source Code)

Posted: September 29th, 2014, 9:21 pm
by dashv
it really sounds like the only options the snes author is willing to entertain is:

Hyperkin removes the snes core completely.
or
Hyperkin stops selling the Retron 5. By court order if necessary.

:/

Re: The code/infringement debacle. (Updated /w Source Code)

Posted: September 30th, 2014, 3:29 pm
by hikaricore

Re: The code/infringement debacle. (Updated /w Source Code)

Posted: October 24th, 2014, 1:33 pm
by username
@Retron Tèch
@HK Mktg

I take your statements about wanting to be in compliance with the applicable licenses at face value.

Can we have the gpl kernel source for the retron5? other rockchip 3066 devices have had kernel source released in the past

Please and thank you

Re: The code/infringement debacle. (Updated /w Source Code)

Posted: November 2nd, 2014, 11:41 pm
by Retron Tèch
Good point - we'll make the kernel source available soon.

Re: The code/infringement debacle. (Updated /w Source Code)

Posted: November 3rd, 2014, 12:25 am
by hikaricore
Retron Tèch wrote:Good point - we'll make the kernel source available soon.
Fantastic!