Nearly two weeks after it was first reported that Anvsoft was violating the GPL, they continue to plagiarise Free Software such as mkisofs, cdrdao, dvdauthor, spumux, id3lib, lame, mpeg2enc, and mplex; by distributing a program called DVD Photo Slideshow, which includes the aforementioned GPL software, in violation of that license.

UPDATE!!! ... the issue now seems to be resolved, and I have personally verified that this software does now include a copy of the GPL, however I have yet to establish whether or not Anvsoft provide the corresponding source for that GPL software. I will update this entry as I get further information.

The GPL clearly states, that software released under that license must:

1. Include a copy of the GPL
2. Provide a written offer with the package to provide the source on request
3. Retain the attribution of the original software (credit the authors)

But Anvsoft continues to plagiarise these GPL packages, without any mention of the GPL, without any attribution of the original authors, and without even any offer of making the sources available. This is a clear violation of the GPL, which should be reported to gpl-violations.org.

According to Anvsoft's Website registrar, "register.com", anvsoft.com is registered as follows:

Registrant:
Michael Show
1208, Fang Da Bldg.
HK, HK 518057

Email: xiaorenguo@gmail.com

Administrative Contact:
Michael Xiao
4459 King St.
Pierrefonds, QC H9G2G2
CA
Phone: (514)6269355
Email: michael@photo-dvd-maker.com

Hmm, two men both called Michael, one living in Hong Kong, and one living in Canada, registered a Website using a throwaway Gmail address. Now that's not at all suspicious, is it?

When it comes to GPL violations, the recommended tact is to give violators the benefit of the doubt, but in this case I'd be willing to bet that we're dealing with someone who is fully aware of his criminal actions, but just doesn't give a damn.

Time to send "Michael" a hot cup o' LART.