IP & Art

Open source software means software that is open to the public. Typical examples are Linux and Google's Android.

Even open source software is not always available. It is open to the  public, but it should be noted that it is regulated by a license agreement. There are four main types of license agreements.

In the most general form, anyone can use it freely, and furthermore, there is a GPL (General Public License) that allows for free use and duplication of modified programs.

In addition, while maintaining the spirit of open source, the 'LGPL', which maintains a mutual balance by allowing links with proprietary software, also 'BSD' which allows the development of secondary works and does not demand that the secondary works be distributed in the form of a 'BSD license'. And ‘MPL’  which does not require the disclosure of source code written in a new file other than the original source code, etc.

Although the scope of rights contained in open source software may seem complicated and difficult, failure to comply with these license terms may trigger damages claims.

Let us take a look at Google's Android, which is a representative example of open source software. In principle, the basic apps required to run Android are free. However, you will need to install the Play Store to download it. There is also an accreditation process, which incurs licensing fees. So, the amount of money Google earns from Android smartphones, with hundreds of millions of units shipped every year, is astronomical. Google is said to generate $31 billion in revenue and $22 billion in net income through Android.

However, without Google's Android, the smart market would have been monopolized by Apple. The social function and role of open source software can be inferred from the fact that Android prevented monopoly.

Now is the time when social benefit organizations create a platform and create business on it. In the process of disclosing and sharing all information, the business through collective intelligence is being created at the same time. In this process, it is also necessary to think about legal protection and legal development. In addition, we look forward to an open society where open source software becomes more vital, reduces development costs, and spreads technological innovation through this.