Except that GPLv3 overrides the contracts. If you violate it, you lose the right to use the GPLv3 software.
Technically, a litigious-happy contractor can use that to cause a lot of damage to the company. So that's why many companies (e.g. Apple) just ban as much GPLv3 software as they can.
you're right; i had a vague memory that they had perhaps included language in the license to clarify questions like this, but apparently not. this is all it says
> To “convey” a work means any kind of propagation that enables other parties to make or receive copies. Mere interaction with a user through a computer network, with no transfer of a copy, is not conveying.
> Is making and using multiple copies within one organization or company “distribution”? (#InternalDistribution)
> No, in that case the organization is just making the copies for itself. As a consequence, a company or other organization can develop a modified version and install that version through its own facilities, without giving the staff permission to release that modified version to outsiders.
> However, when the organization transfers copies to other organizations or individuals, that is distribution. In particular, providing copies to contractors for use off-site is distribution.
note that this is talking about gplv2 ('distribution'), so presumably contractors can already sue apple for this if apple uses gplv2 code in internal tools; they might not win, but the fsf thinks they should
Technically, a litigious-happy contractor can use that to cause a lot of damage to the company. So that's why many companies (e.g. Apple) just ban as much GPLv3 software as they can.