SFC vs. Vizio — a case that tests whether software users (not just copyright holders) can enforce open source licenses — has the potential to change the open source enforcement landscape in a major way. If courts determine that users have standing to enforce the GNU General Public License, software developers who use open source code are likely to face significantly more compliance-related requests and scrutiny.
In addition, the case has revived interest in an often overlooked provision of the GPL v3 which, regardless of the court’s decision on standing, is important for producers of consumer devices. The GPL v3 requires consumer device manufacturers to provide “installation information” so that end-users can update, modify, and/or reinstall the GPLv3 licensed software in those devices.
But what is “installation information” and what’s the best way for manufacturers of “user products” to comply with this requirement — and what steps should organizations (regardless of industry) take now to bring their products into compliance?
Join software licensing expert Chris Stevenson, Of Counsel (DLA Piper) on October 12 for a webinar discussion on these pressing questions and more. We’ll discuss:
-An update on the SFC vs. Vizio and its potential ramifications
-Key differences between GPL v2 and GPL v3
-The “User Products” clause and strategies to comply with it