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I believe the OpenSSL team uses the 4 clause BSD license because they rely on SSLeay, which uses the 4 clause license. And if they have to advertise the SSLeay name, they might as well advertise the OpenSSL name as well.

The thing is, relicensing isn't likely to happen any time soon, regardless of what RMS says.



To be precise, SSLeay was discontinued when its authors were hired by RSA. They're now under non-competes and couldn't change the license if they wanted to.


How would a noncompete agreement stop them from relicensing a work they did before signing the agreement?


Noncompetes are generally illegal and get thrown out if it ever goes to court, although I understand why people don't want the hassle.




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