Recently, a node
software developer asked that his packages be un-published from an index of software packages called "npm" when the developer was threatened with trademark infringement. The package un-publication caused a cascade of functionality problems with software dependent on one of these packages.
The developer had not explicitly revoked their license, this question is related but on a more general focus. What if the core open-source packages we depend on so critically were suddenly revoked and re-published with different terms, or none at all? Can we create a derivative work based on previously published terms? If we've already created a derivative work bound by the same license as the original author, are we infringing if they revoke the original license?
The specific wording of the most popular licenses do not explicitly grant for any particular term. Does that mean it's only valid until explicitly revoked, or perhaps it's valid perpetually/until copyright expires?
Possibly relevant cases:
- TV Globo v. Brazil Up-Date Weekly
- Rano v. Sipa Press
- Walthal v. Rusk