The GPL Applies to Programs
Rather than use the generic term software, the GPL instead defines the term Program as a program or other work. We generally understand that a program (with lower case p) is computer software, but the phrase other work is left undefined.
The GPL, in section 0, then defines the phrase work based on the Program as either a Program or a derivative work under copyright law. (Careful readers will remember that, under copyright law a derivative work is a work based upon one or more preexisting works.... 17 U.S.C. § 101.) This definition is repeated in a different way in section 1 of the GPL, which says that a work based on the Program is formed by modifying the original Program. (Remember that a modification is one of the ...
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