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 language | English |
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Title of host publication | Intellectual Property Management in Health and Agricultural Innovation |
Subtitle of host publication | a handbook of best practices |
Editors | Anatole Krattiger, Richard T Mahoney |
Place of Publication | Oxford |
Publisher | MIHR-USA |
Chapter | 2.6 |
Pages | 107-118 |
Number of pages | 12 |
Volume | 1 |
ISBN (Print) | 9781424320264 |
Publication status | Published - 2007 |