Open Source Licensing

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Abstract

This chapter provides an introduction to open source software licensing. The chapter seeks to demystify the concept of open source so that intellectual property (IP) owners and managers can decide whether an open source approach is worth pursuing. The chapter explains the principles of free and open source software licensing and outlines the decisions that an innovator must make when deciding which strategy to use for developing a new innovation. Also explained are the differences between open source and public domain, and between the uses of the terms copyleft and academic to describe open source licenses, as well as the incentives (financial and otherwise) for open source licensing. Finally, the author identifies important considerations regarding the possibilities for open source licensing in fields other than software development, particularly biomedicine and agricultural biotechnology.
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationIntellectual Property Management in Health and Agricultural Innovation
Subtitle of host publicationa handbook of best practices
EditorsAnatole Krattiger, Richard T Mahoney
Place of PublicationOxford
PublisherMIHR-USA
Chapter2.6
Pages107-118
Number of pages12
Volume1
ISBN (Print)9781424320264
Publication statusPublished - 2007

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