Research Catalog

Title

Protecting the virtual commons : self-organizing open source and free software communities and innovative intellectual property regimes / R. van Wendel de Joode, J.A. de Bruijn, M.J.G. van Eeten.

Author

Wendel de Joode, R. van

Publication

The Hague : T.M.C. Asser Press, c2003.

Items in the Library & Off-site

Holdings

Details

Additional Authors

• Bruijn, J. A. de, 1962-
• Eeten, Michel van
• Nationaal Programma Informatietechnologie en Recht

Description

xii, 168 p. : ill.; 25 cm.

Summary

Worldwide, governments and businesses are recognizing the added value of open source and free software. Unlike other software, this software is developed and continuously improved by volunteers in communities on the Internet. Some of these communities, like Linux and Apache, connect thousands of volunteers worldwide. The question is how these communities are able to continuously develop innovative software in a world dominated by markets, companies and laws. "Protecting the Virtual Commons" informs us about the surprisingly creative solutions that explain the long-lasting stability of these communities. It identifies the threats that the communities are faced with and discusses the amazingly innovative strategies developed to neutralize these threats. The book has been writtten with a clear focus on intellecutal property rights. In their analysis, the authors provide answers to the following questions: Why have open source and free software communities created so many different licenses to protect their intellectual property? What influence do licenses have on the organization of the communities and their ability to innovate? What are the differences between intellectual property rights on software in Europe and the United States? What are the tensions between the way in which open source and free software communities deal with intellectual proeprty and the way in which companies protect and use intellectual property? What regulatory arrangements can deal with the tensions between the corporate model and the open source and free software development model?

Series Statement

Information technology & law series, 1570-2782 ; 3

Uniform Title

Information technology & law series 3.

Subject

• Computer software industry > Licenses
• Free computer software
• Intellectual Property
• Intellectual property
• Open source software

Bibliography (note)

• Includes bibliographical references (p. 117-124) and index.

Processing Action (note)

• committed to retain

Contents

1. Describing Open Source and Free Software Communities -- 2. Interpreting Open Source and Free Software Communities -- 3. The Commons Under Pressure: Business Processes and IPR -- 4. Mechanisms to Protect the Commons -- 5. Living Apart Together: Hybrid Business Strategies on the Edge of the Commons -- 6. Analysis and Conclusion -- App. The licenses.

ISBN

9067041599

LCCN

^^2004365376

OCLC

53156989

Owning Institutions

Harvard Library