6-Hour Program

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Overview

Why you should attend

Continuous changes in the legal and technical landscape make it critical for IP, technology and business lawyers to keep abreast of the legal and technical issues presented by the open source paradigm. “Open source” software, which is freely available in the form of operating systems, applications, utility code and programming tools, presents an attractive option. However, use of such software can also expose a company to unexpected and unacceptable obligation and risk, depending on the terms of the license that governs its use and distribution. Some companies have discovered that their programmers’ or suppliers’ use of open source material has placed their own intellectual property assets at risk. Parties to commercial transactions, including financings and corporate acquisitions, have discovered that fundamental assumptions about the value proposition of their deal are materially affected by the use of open source software in the acquisition partner’s product development. This program will address the critical issues that IP, technology and business lawyers need to consider in today’s economy. Armed with this information, you will be better able to help your clients make intelligent choices and decisions about how to take advantage of the benefits and manage the risks presented by open source software.

What you will learn

  • What is open source software? Why it is so important?
  • Understand open source licenses in the context of real life issues
  • Get guidance on how to analyze an open source license and its key provisions
  • Learn about patents and standards in an open source world
  • Navigate new business models based on open source software
  • Get guidelines for effective open source development business practices
  • Receive best practices for product development and software asset acquisition

Who should attend

This program is designed for computer/technology lawyers, IP lawyers, in-house counsel, and outside corporate counsel whose clients develop, use, distribute or invest in technology.

Credit Details