New Developments in Open Source Licensing

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Wednesday | March 29, 2006
Registration: 3:45 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Program: 4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Reception to follow

Sponsor: Intellectual Property Law Section

In today’s technological environment, almost every company is confronted with issues regarding the use of “open source” software - this program will address the important legal and business issues involved with its use.

Panelists will address intellectual property risks with open source materials, as well as offering a business perspective that will help you advise your clients on strategic and financial decisions, and whether and/or how to manage their software development.

Attendees will learn:

I. Basic Open Source Concepts

• Major license
• Business models

II. IP Risks with Open Source Materials

• IP risks for you, a third party and developers
• Current legal climate
• Dealing with risks

III. Business Perspective on the Advisability of Using Open Source

• Low cost and standardization vs. perceived lack of a competitive advantage
• Impact on financing: effect on merger and acquisition activity
• Management challenges in mixed proprietary companies

IV. Proposed Revisions to the GPL (GPL v.3)

• Review of significant changes
• Impact on other open source materials with GPL projects

Panelists:

Peter M. Moldave, Esq. – Program Chair
Gesmer Updegrove LLP

Peter H. Schmidt
Lifting Mind Inc.

Edmund J. Walsh, Esq.
Wolf, Greenfield & Sacks, P.C.

 
Program Prices

$115 - BBA Members
$145 - Non-Members
$80 - BBA Member New Lawyer (admitted after 6/2004)
$60 - BBA Member Legal Services/Government Lawyer