Legal framework 1/2

The balance of a legal framework that protects Freedom and a legal framework that removes Freedom. 
Or The paradox of the legal blob.

Legal framework that can be used to "protect" Freedom :

The use of the Copyright (for example The GNU General Public License)

Berne Convention (1971 version)
WIPO Copyright Treaty

The European Directive allows reverse engineering for interoperability (similar law in Japan)

Europe : Munich Convention (article 52c)