Corporate and Transactional
Open source software has become increasingly popular among software developers for a variety of reasons. Some developers support the communal philosophy of the open source movement, while others believe that the use of open source software increases the efficiency and quality of software. Information technology personnel within large and small enterprises are attracted to the low cost of obtaining and implementing open source solutions. Although everyone has his or her own definition of open source code, the terms of open source licenses vary greatly. Analyzing the implications of the use of open source code requires a deep understanding of both the technology and the law.
Our TTL attorneys have advised clients on open source issues for years. We advise organizations that are well-known proponents of the open source model, such as Red Hat, as well as proprietary software vendors who need to understand the pros and cons of adopting open source code in their development projects. We also advise chief technology officers and corporate counsel about the use of open source code within their organizations and help them determine whether certain open source code products are right for their needs. During acquisitions, we review the use of open source software and advise companies and investors about the impact of open source software on the technology being acquired and about ways to manage any risk.