Verizon Hit With GPL License Suit

The Software Freedom Law Center has filed a copyright infringement lawsuit against Verizon Communications, alleging the company illegally distributes BusyBox to FiOS customers.

The Software Freedom Law Center has filed a copyright infringement lawsuit against Verizon Communications, alleging the telecommunications giant is illegally distributing the GPL-licensed BusyBox to Verizon FiOS customers. The complaint alleges that Verizon distributed BusyBox to FiOS customers with Actiontec MI424WR wireless routers, and is obligated to provide BusyBox’s source code to its customers under terms of the GPL.

BusyBox is a set of common Unix utilities bundled into a lightweight package with an eye towards use in embedded systems. It is licensed under the GPL version 2 license. This lawsuit marks the fourth time the SFLC has filed an infringement suit on behalf of BusyBox developers Erik Andersen and Rob Landley. Previous suits were filed against High Gain Antennas, Xterasys Corp., and Monsoon Media; however, the suit against Verizon is by far the highest-profile target of any GPL suit to date. The SFLC settled with Monsoon out of court; actions against High Gain Antennas and Xterasys are still pending.

“Our clients licensed BusyBox under the GPL to ensure that all users of the program can access and modify its source code,” said Dan Ravicher, Legal Director of SFLC. “Because Verizon chose not to respond to our concerns, we had no choice but to file a lawsuit to ensure that they comply with the GPL.”

The SFLC says it contacted Verizon about the alleged infringement three weeks ago, and the company never responded.

The suit does not seeks a specific amount in damages; the SFLC would have to determine the extent of the infringement first, which it can only do with information from Verizon that it would obtain through the suit’s discovery process. Verizon has 20 days to respond to the complaint.