Dale R. Kurth,
You have heard of open source software (OSS), right? A few years ago, to everyone but IT nerds, OSS was just some strange and vaguely scary concept of so-called "free" software written by hippie types in a van.
Most businesses are now more familiar with it, or at least aware of it. Many still don't trust it, having little perception of its nature and benefits. OSS also has its risks, to be sure, but they can be managed.
There are several unique elements to its copyright and intellectual property aspects of OSS that potential users should consider.
Many companies are likely more familiar with the traditional software model, and a decision to pursue OSS options brings new intellectual property-related rights and responsibilities -- particularly when it comes to copyrights.
The foremost risk to users of OSS stems from noncompliance with its license terms, which are far from uniform.
