Open Source Compliance for Embedded Systems

Abstract

Open source compliance has achieved the next level: In the beginning of open source compliance actions, violations of open source licenses have been enforced by the community as a matter of principle. Now it is in many cases a matter of money. At the same time, compliance requirements have also risen, especially when distributing open source software as part of embedded systems. But why is compliance nowadays more difficult than ever? And why does this apply especially for embedded systems?

Thoughts of a German qualified lawyer who has been involved in several compliance cases with a focus on the developments in Germany.