Open Source Licensing with Jeff Shapiro

The Business of Open Source

Live from the Open Source Summit in Austin, I sit down with Jeff Shapiro, the License Scanning Manager for the Linux Foundation. Jeff begins by explaining what he does at the Linux Foundation, including ensuring that open source licenses are compatible and compliant. We discuss what license issues start-ups should be aware of, how to educate yourself on open source licensing, and when you should consult an expert. Jeff clarifies some confusion around dual licenses and explains the challenges of changing licenses on an open source project. Finally, we discuss the possibilities of disallowing specific uses through licensing and who can write a license.

Highlights:

• Jeff talks about the legal and business risks of non-compliant open source licenses (3:09)
• License issues start-ups should be aware of (7:16)
• DCO (Developer certificate of origin) and understanding where code comes from (12:10)
• Educating yourself and others about open source licenses (13:04)
• Jeff talks about when you need to consult an expert (15:36)
• Jeff explains how he got into licensing as an engineer (17:23)
• Jeff discusses dual licenses (18:18)
• How hard is it to change licenses on an open source project (20:23)
• Jeff explains if it’s possible to disallow specific uses with your license (23:39)

Links:

Jeff

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffcshapiro/
• Company: https://www.linuxfoundation.org/