Under our laws, as they stand today, open source utterly fails to distinguish itself clearly from proprietary software, and our open source friends are now having a dose of their own medicine with proprietary software companies releasing source code and calling it "open source". Searching the internet for open source will return several links to non-free software claiming to be "open source". "Free" is a very uncomfortable word for proprietary software companies, who will never give users the freedom which free software gives.

We cannot contain the free software movement within the confines of copyright law. It would be like trying to contain the ocean within the confines of our fist. The plain fact is that the free software movement has created its own vast expanse of space in the law, at a global scale. Recognition of free software could correctly be done only at a global scale. We are at a defining moment, like when America or India won its freedom. A great vision is needed to proceed and speed ahead in the right direction. If we fail to perceive and understand the significance of the free software movement, we merely push and put away significant progress and development possible with free software.

An International Free Software Treaty, may be the first right step in this direction. The treaty may legally recognise the free software movement, its work, its scope and provide for its active use by the people of this world. RMS could be designated as an Ambassador of Free Software, entitled to immunities and privileges under International law. Adequate international funds could also be provided to promote the progress of the free software movement. The UN ought to be seriously interested because the much wider goals and objects of the UN will be well served by the achievements and aims of the focused free software movement.