off topic copyright

guys some help here plzzz thank you :)
before breaking any rules/copyright privacy etc...

let's say i find a mod. out there (free mod. does not include any copyright only a link to the authors site)
Now the question
is it ok to alter, transform, or build upon this work. and give it away for free or a fee ?...

I'd suggest you contact the author so they can lay-out some ground-rules with you. Chances are, it may even be licensed, but your source of information doesn't mention it.

Legally, anything published after 1989, does not require a copyright notice.  Any information that ties the work to an owner is sufficient, and in this case a link to the authors site does that.  The right thing to do, it get the authors permission.

Well legally, no coder can claim any copyright to any php written code as the PHP License Group owns the registered copyright to the PHP language.  They grant a license which allows others to use the code, modify it, and distribute the new code provided the follow the distribution license which specifically states any redistribution of any PHP must include the PHP License Group copyright in the source files.

What this all boils down to is simply: a php coder is not a copyright holder and can never be a copyright holder of any php script as all php is already copywritten and you cannot place a copyright on something where you only have a license to use the code.

Now the legal basis says you can do what you want to do prolaznik you need to ask yourself a different question.  If I do such changes and promote it, and it is shown I took someone's work (even if legally allowed), how will the community react to what I'm doing and what will happen to my reputation.  This is by far the question you need to concern yourself.

The answer to that question is it depends.  It depends on how much value you add to the code versus the original code and how complex/simple the original code was.  You used it as a base, which almost all php coders use some sort of code as a base to start and build up.  It is up to you on how to decide what to do.

That is for the code to the php intrupter itself. Not to scripts written with php. Same for programs written in VB, C, cobol, pascal, hell, even bash script. What you write is yours.

Now if you were to take the PHP interpreter itself, modify it and redistribute it, then those rules would apply. Just like the linux code which is written in C. That does not mean that because it is written in C then you don't own your program. The holders of the C copywrite do.

Your misinterpreting the license.

well then aren't many of us here breaking that rule ???...

from what im reading and understanding

example

templates

99% of users take the default UNI template change few css files add new images, etc..
and resell it or post it as free

 If you build upon a script to improve it, add to or change a script to perform in a different way then you are not doing anything illegal. If you take the exact script and re-sell or re-brand it a different name then that is an issue that could come about.

I would have to read up more on the license dolphin is released under, but the CSS itself has no copyright marking in it. The scripts do. Which i leave the origional boonex copyright notices in the origional scripts included with my templates.

But i believe you could actually take dolphin itself, make heavy modifications and redistribute as a new product as long as origional files retain the copyright info. and the license file that dolphin includes with the package is also in your package.

I am not positive tho. I don't think the license is the same as the GNU public license that linux is released under.

no i wasn't planing to sell it
the original mod. is for d6 i made changes to it got it working with d7 and it's a very useful mod which i would like to share here of course i would also post a link to the original author
but for now i'll just wait see what other have to say
thanks to everyone

so it would be ok for me to post it here as free &  include a link to the original author
i only made minor changes to make it working on d7

Personally i do not see a problem unless you intend to sell it. If it was released for free originally, it should remain that way unless you get permission to sell a mod derived from his original work.

But if you don't plan to sell it, and are providing credit to the original developer, then there should not be a problem. But it would be proper to ask the original developer if they would have a problem with that.

Templates:

1. Changed Uni template
   The offered template should be your own work with the structural code. The changed colors and pics of the Uni template (Dolphin default template) cannot be uploaded as a product.

Seems to me that would rule out every single template that exists.

This might help you out a little it's taken from: 

http://www.copyright.gov/help/faq/faq-general.html#what

How is a copyright different from a patent or a trademark?
Copyright protects original works of authorship, while a patent protects inventions or discoveries. Ideas and discoveries are not protected by the copyright law, although the way in which they are expressed may be. A trademark protects words, phrases, symbols, or designs identifying the source of the goods or services of one party and distinguishing them from those of others.

When is my work protected?
Your work is under copyright protection the moment it is created and fixed in a tangible form that it is perceptible either directly or with the aid of a machine or device.

Do I have to register with your office to be protected?
No. In general, registration is voluntary. Copyright exists from the moment the work is created. You will have to register, however, if you wish to bring a lawsuit for infringement of a U.S. work. See Circular 1, Copyright Basics, section “Copyright Registration.”

Why should I register my work if copyright protection is automatic?
Registration is recommended for a number of reasons. Many choose to register their works because they wish to have the facts of their copyright on the public record and have a certificate of registration. Registered works may be eligible for statutory damages and attorney's fees in successful litigation. Finally, if registration occurs within 5 years of publication, it is considered prima facie evidence in a court of law. See Circular 1, Copyright Basics, section “Copyright Registration” and Circular 38b, Highlights of Copyright Amendments Contained in the Uruguay Round Agreements Act (URAA), on non-U.S. works.

Is my copyright good in other countries?
The United States has copyright relations with most countries throughout the world, and as a result of these agreements, we honor each other's citizens' copyrights. However, the United States does not have such copyright relationships with every country. For a listing of countries and the nature of their copyright relations with the United States, see Circular 38a, International Copyright Relations of the United States.

Hope this helps out, it came directly from the US Governments Copyright FAQ Page.

i know but that's what it says here

http://www.boonex.com/unity/txt/extension_requirements