How to (not) use GPL Software Derivative Works Moral Issues Apart from what is legally possible, there are moral issues Even if in a particular case there is no legal way to claim a binary-only kernel module is a derivative work, you might still be acting against the authors' wishes By shipping binary-only kernel modules, you violate the "moral code of conduct" of the Free Software community But it is the work of this very community that enables you to build your product based on Free Software Such action might have long-term detrimental effects on the motivation of FOSS developers (dissatisfaction, demotivation, ...)