Inquiry: MLNX_OFED EULA and Redistribution

Infrastructure & Networking Software And Drivers Mellanox OFED
, , , , ,
1

Dear NVIDIA/Mellanox Team,

I am seeking clarification regarding the redistribution of modified kernel modules for Mellanox hardware.

I am considering making custom modifications to the source code found in the MLNX_OFED package (specifically within the mlnx-ofed-kernel-23.10.OFED.23.10.1.1.9.1 directory) for redistribution.

However, Sections 3.1 and 8.1 of the Mellanox EULA seem to strictly prohibit the modification and distribution of the “Software Product.” To ensure compliance, I would like to clarify:

  1. MLNX_OFED Components: Does the EULA restriction apply even to the source code provided within the MLNX_OFED package? Specifically, are we prohibited from redistributing modified versions of mlx5_core.ko, ib_core.ko, and related modules?

  2. Upstream (Inbox) Drivers: If the MLNX_OFED EULA prohibits such actions, does this also apply to the inbox Mellanox drivers included in the Linux kernel (e.g., version 6.6.28)? Since these upstream drivers are licensed under GPLv2, I would like to confirm that they can be modified and redistributed independently of the MLNX_OFED EULA.

Relevant EULA Clauses for Reference:

  • 3.1: “…shall not adapt, translate, port or otherwise modify the Software Product.”

  • 8.1: “…no portion of the Software Product… may be reproduced, modified, distributed… without the prior written permission of Mellanox.”

Thank you for your guidance on this matter.