Last week, software developer Cliff Biffle wrote a blog post pointing out certain discrepancies in the source code archive made available by Asus for the Linux-based software platform distributed on the Eee PC.

According to Biffle, the 1.8GB archive made available online by Asus following the launch of the Eee PC did not include changes made by the company to the asus_acpi kernel module. Failing to provide the public with access to those changes could potentially constitute a violation of the General Public License (GPL), the open source license under which the Linux kernel is distributed.

In response to criticism from Linux enthusiasts, Asus has made additional source code archives available for download with code for the asus_acpi module, BusyBox, and several other components. The code released by Asus brings the company into compliance with its obligations under the GPL and should satisfy most of the critics.

The source code changes made by Asus are important because the availability of that code will simplify the process of making other Linux distributions perform better on the Eee PC.

GPL infringement lawsuits are very rare and are almost always settled outside of court. In most cases, it seems like GPL violations are the result of negligence or misunderstandings rather than willful intent to misappropriate intellectual property. Companies that are using code licensed under the GPL should consult with the Free Software Foundation or the Software Freedom Law Center if they need help understanding the implications of the GPL and the legal obligations implied by using GPL-licensed code.