[colug-432] GPL Question: Begets More Questions, But Not Advice

[jep200404]

Bond, Matt Bond wrote:

> Where I worked ...

[note the tense: past]

> ... we purchased some mobile routers for vehicles. I believe
> they told me it uses linux as it's operating system. Do I have the right
> to request the source code for any GPL'd software they distribute with
> their device? 

IANAL, so I'm full of questions, but not advice. 

Who has standing? 

Does the receiver (such as purchaser) of the device that 
contained GPL binary software have the right to the source 
code from whomever gave the binary code to the receiver? 
If so, who is required to provide the source code? 
The manufacturer, the middle man who sold it, 
both, or somebody else? 

As a former employer of the receiver, 
what standing if any do I have in this issue? 
What if I personally received binary code from former employer?