[tlug] GPL question (again!)

[Josh Glover <jmglov@example.com>]

I have a completely hypothetical question for the GPL experts on the
list (I'm looking at you, Steve).

Let's say that some company has a piece of backend software with a
REST interface. Let's also say that some idiotic developer stuck a GPL
notice at the top of some of the source code files, despite the fact
that no GPL code is linked in. This source has never been distributed
in any way, nor have the compiled binaries. The binaries have only
ever run on servers belonging to the hypothetical company for which
the idiotic developer no longer works.

Can the company legally remove the GPL notice from the source files?

Cheers,
Josh