Open source
In essence, Open Source Software or “OSS” is software provided under a licence that grants certain freedoms to the licensee. It should properly be seen as a range of associated but different licensing models - there are many types of OSS licence, and they differ widely in clarity, length and legal effect. The Open Source Initiative’s website lists 41 Open Source licences currently in common use.
We help clients to assess and manage the risks with technically aware, pragmatic advice. Our OSS risk assessment looks at how OSS is deployed within a system and combines conventional legal analysis with a knowledge of current IT industry practice. Where OSS is to play a significant part in a software development project we understand how the contractual rights of the parties will need to be adapted to recognise the OSS licensing obligations.
Our OSS articles and practice notes have been published in PLC, the Computer Law & Security Report and other legal journals.
Our recent experience includes:
- Assessing a code “shim” solution for compatibility with the GPL
- Renegotiating a licence with an OSS developer
- Helping a client mitigate the risks arising from deployment of GNU/Linux in consumer electronics equipment
Kemp Little LLP Solicitors, Cheapside House, 138 Cheapside, London, EC2V 6BJ
Tel: +44 (0) 20 7600 8080 Fax: +44 (0) 20 7600 7878
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