GPL enforcement is an integral part of software freedom, but we lack
systematic evidence on what kind of benefits successful enforcement
can provide us. In this session, I discuss a case in which GPL
enforcement led to quantifiable benefits for customers: GPL violations
by Cisco/Linksys, and the emergence of OpenWRT. In 2003, Cisco/Linksys
was found to be in violation of the GPL by distributing GNU/Linux
source code with its WRT54G. Successful negotiations by the FSF led
Cisco/Linksys to release source code, creating a wide array of custom
firmware projects.
In this talk, I collect data on wireless routers, custom firmware
compatibility, and match this to Amazon.com reviews. I show that users
value routers compatible with OpenWRT, and that these products have
higher reviews and sell more. This talk highlights the importance of
measuring the impact of GPL enforcement, and shows how GPL
enforcement can benefit customers.