copyright open-source-software gpl hardware
Selling second hand and copyright
<p>If I sell a bit of GPL'ed software I am required to provide source code, or an offer of same.  This is based on the "distribution" clause of the GPL.  According to <a href="https://law.stackexchange.com/questions/49580/gpl-and-private-sale">this</a> question, if I sell GPL'ed software pre-installed on a device I am not bound by these restrictions.  I am interested in the connotations of this, and would like to know which of the following activities would count as distribution so that the "must provide source code" provision of the GPL is required:</p>

<ol>
<li>I as a natural person purchase an android phone and re-sell it unchanged (from the linked question, this seems to not count as distribution)</li>
<li>As 1, but I install a 3rd party GPL application (say AdAway)</li>
<li>As 1, but I install a 3rd party GPL OS (say Tizen)</li>
<li>As 2 or 3, but I edit the 3rd party software before installation</li>
<li>As 2, but I put some proprietary IP on the phone (say Dark side of the moon by Pink Floyd)</li>
<li>As 1, but I am an independent for profit company</li>
<li>As 1, but I am wholly owned subsidiary of the original seller</li>
<li>As any of the above, but I am selling a hard disk drive not a phone</li>
</ol>

<p>That has been explained in another question: Copyright applies if you copy and doesn’t apply if you don’t copy. If you don’t copy you can do what you like. If you copy it must be allowed by law, or you must have a license which includes following the terms of the license. </p>

<p>Apply these principles to all your questions. </p>
