Open Source

We would highlight that when developing and purchasing software, one must also focus more closely on open-source software and conduct a more thorough review of it.

In practice, open-source software plays an important role. Thereby it is often good and free to use. The peculiarities of merging open-source software into commercially used software can cause significant national and international problems and conflicts. In particular, the so-called “Copy-Left-Effect”, whereby the user of open-source software may be required to conform their software to the legal framework of the open-source software.

Strategies and solution finding for risks, liability, alleged co-authorship by genuine or fictitious co-authors (standing to sue), injunction, disclosure and damages are all areas within this area of practice requiring judicial exploration and determination.

Overview:

• open-source licensing models
• alleged licensing violation or cease-and-desist letters
• preliminary legal remedies, preliminary injunctions and protective letters