GPL issues

Since Onyx published their first e-reading device using a custom system based on the Linux kernel they mostly ignored the community's attempts to take part in the development by not releasing the source code of the GPL'ed software they used. Some years ago it seemed possible that there could be a developer community for the Onyx Boox M92. Onyx released a public SDK and a compiler toolchain and accepted bug fixes and bug reports by the community. Anyway, this didn't last long and Onyx decided to move on. They released new devices and deleted the kernel code they had published again. From time to time requests were filed, asking for the source code for the GPL'ed software of the Onyx Boox M92 as well as of the Android based devices. Requesting the sources always followed the same pattern. After some emails trying to convince the people of their lack of knowledge (or how to interpret it), Onyx always decided to be deaf for further communication attempts. I don't know of any successful such request. Their German vendor ereader-store.de insisted on their position as vendor - therefore being not responsible for inquiries like this.

This thread is dedicated to coordinating further approaches. We want to be heard by Onyx and strive for a friendly agreement with them. The last thing we would want is, denouncing Onyx in any way. Quite the contrary, we just want them to respect the GPL including their rights and duties. This way, we want to save Onyx from juridical consequences following their GPL violations if they cooperate. People who just want to name and shame this company are not at the right place here. Anyway, the GPL is known to be enforced in Germany as well as the US.

If you want to take part in this race for a piece of software freedom, please join this thread.