Open-source software (OSS) has become an indispensable part of everyday life in many companies. In a survey from 2021, 87% of companies with more than 2,000 employees said they use open-source software in their company. Every fifth company uses OSS as a component of its own products and services, which are passed on to customers with source code adaptations. The cost savings, access to the source code and the ease of switching providers are particularly appreciated. The areas of application are diverse. German automobile companies are also increasingly turning to OSS. Volkswagen relies partly on open source for the development of its VW.OS operating system. Mercedes-Benz recently published a manifesto to encourage employees to use and promote appropriate software.
However, OSS is not lawless software, and violations of the licensing provisions may result in prohibitory injunction, (fictitious) licence fees or even the obligation to destroy or take back the reproduction copies. The use of certain open-source source codes may even result in the obligation to disclose one’s own programme code and thus in the disclosure of trade secrets. It is therefore essential to consider OSS compliance as part of a comprehensive Compliance Management System (CMS) in the company.
In this white paper, Stefan Hessel and Christina Kiefer highlight the risks of non-compliance with regulations and are happy to help you minimize these risks in your company.
You can download the full whitepaper here.
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