By: Josh Sloat

How does the use of or contribution to open-source software impact your intellectual property rights? 

​In this month's episode, we’re talking about software and the convoluted risk/reward interplay between patents, copyrights, and open source. Use of free open-source code can be an invaluable tool when building complex software applications. Why reinvent wheels? And depending on resources and budget, sometimes it’s the only practical way. But like with most things, free often isn’t really free. The cost is just transferred somewhere else. When it comes to open source, these short term savings can have significant long term consequences for your intellectual property rights. 

​We'll discuss answers to these questions and more. Kristen Hansen, Patent Strategist and software patent guru here at Aurora, leads a discussion along with our all star patent panel, exploring:

​We look at concerns through the eyes of both users and authors of open source. And pragmatically as we can, highlight how it’s possible to construct a strategy where open-source innovation is encouraged without forgoing all future earning power and without blocking others from using it. 

Kristen has worked both as a Software Engineer and a Software Patent Agent for the last two decades. She has worked closely with software inventors from Big Tech Valley giants looking to utilize open-source software, while still maintaining their assertable patent portfolios. We couldn’t think of a better person to lead this conversation! Kristen is also joined today by our always exceptional group of IP experts including:

​Patently Strategic is available on all major podcasting directories, including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Google Podcasts. We're also available on 12 other directories including Stitcher, iHeart Radio, and TuneIn, so you should be able to find us wherever you listen to podcasts.

By: Josh Sloat

Join us in-person April 13th and 14th at New Mexico Tech for an immersive workshop designed for inventors, investors, and entrepreneurs! This event is devoted to creativity, innovation, and the progression of ideas to market – and presents an exceptional opportunity to network with a highly focused group of innovators. We're sponsoring this event and our very own NMT alum, Ty Davis, will be hosting a booth. Be sure to stop by, say hello, and ask about our inventor notebooks! 

Date: Thursday April 13th and Friday April 14th, 2023
Location: Fidel Student Union Building | New Mexico Tech | Socorro, New Mexico
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