The Free Software Foundation has released the first draft of the General Public Licence (GPL) version 3 for debate. 

This is the first major change to the GPL in over a decade and addresses two fundamental concerns for the industry: digital rights management and software patents.

The changes require GPL users to shield those using the code from patent disputes, and bans the use of DRM software in finished products.

"When you distribute a covered work you grant a patent licence to the recipient, and to anyone that receives any version of the work, permitting, for any and all versions of the covered work, all activities allowed or contemplated by this licence, such as installing, running and distributing versions of the work," states the draft.

"This patent licence is non-exclusive, royalty-free and worldwide, and covers all patent claims you control or have the right to sub-licence, at the time you distribute the covered work or in the future, that would be infringed or violated by the covered work or any reasonably contemplated use of the covered work."

Members of the public can post their comments for consideration here.