The SFLC's Guide to GPL Compliance

The Software Freedom Law Center has released A Practical Guide to GPL Compliance, a document which appears to be aimed at corporate management. It is a detailed and clear discussion of the issues as seen from the SFLC point of view. "The companies we contact about GPL violations often respond with: 'We didn't know there was GPL'd stuff in there'. This answer indicates a failure in the software acquisition and procurement process. Integration of third-party proprietary software typically requires a formal arrangement and management/legal oversight before the developers incorporate the software. By contrast, your developers often obtain and integrate FOSS without intervention. The ease of acquisition, however, does not mean the oversight is any less necessary. Just as your legal and/or management team negotiates terms for inclusion of any proprietary software, they should be involved in all decisions to bring FOSS into your product."

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