Collaboration Summit 2014

Free and open-source software licensing draws on both technical and legal principles, a unique combination that can present significant challenges for software developers, management, and attorneys alike. Further, the sheer number of available FOSS licenses can seem overwhelming. This presentation will help demystify FOSS licensing by addressing its fundamental concepts and will include an discussions of the different categories of FOSS licenses, the "copyleft" or "viral" effects of certain FOSS licenses; the obligations and restrictions commonly associated with FOSS; and community and private enforcement of FOSS licenses.  

The audience includes anyone interested in learning more about FOSS licensing; no previous legal or technical knowledge or experience is required. Attendees can expect to leave with a framework for discussing and thinking about FOSS licensing as well as a high-level understanding for differences between FOSS licenses, the obligations and restrictions imposed by FOSS licenses (including the "copyleft" effect of certain licenses), and FOSS license enforcement.

FOSS licensing and compliance are a source of tension and confusion within the FOSS community. A better understanding of the different FOSS licenses and the obligations and restrictions they impose will help community members make more informed decisions about FOSS use and understand the implications of FOSS use and misuse.