Using Open Source in Your Business? Beware the Fine Print – JD Supra

The use of open source software is very common among developers. The concept behind open source is to allow access to many developers and promote collaboration between them.

A recent example is the website for the European Unions Digital Response to COVID-19, which provides the public access to an ever-growing database of various open source software, platforms, and solutions to assist medical staff, businesses, and citizens dealing with the pandemic. While the ideals of collaboration and mutual enrichment in using open source are admirable, it is important to note that such software does not exist in a legal vacuum and its use is still subject to a limited and binding license.

The length and level of detail of such licenses vary and may run a single sentence to several pages long. In many cases, these licenses truly denote relative freedom of use, as in the case of MIT and OpenBSD. However, in other cases, the licenses include major implications for the intellectual property rights to software incorporating such open source software.

In conclusion, even though open source software may be perceived as low-hanging fruit, before taking a bite, always make sure it is not poisonous.

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Using Open Source in Your Business? Beware the Fine Print - JD Supra