Open Source Software has seen mass adoption in the last decade and potentially forms the majority of software today. It is realised through legal instruments, private law agreements, licences, governance, and community norms—all of which lead to the sharing of intellectual property and to economic and commercial disruption in technology. Written by world leading Open Source and legal experts, this new edition of Open Source Law, Policy and Practice is fully updated with a global focus on technology and market changes over the last decade. The work delivers an in-depth examination of the community, legal, and commercial structures relating to the usage and exploitation of Open Source. This enables readers to understand the legal environment within which Open Source operates and what is required for its appropriate governance and curation in enterprise and the public sector. This is achieved by focusing on three main areas: intellectual property rights; the governance of Open Source; and the business and economic impacts.

"When I was the Cabinet Minister leading the UK's Open First strategy a decade ago, the UK took leadership in Open Source software, and has continued to do this through Government Digital Services. The unprecedented adoption of Open Source software across the globe has generated a necessary focus on its curation and governance to ensure well maintained, secure Open Source in our private and public sectors. The UK leadership of this book has brought the world's leading experts into a much needed text to support the future success of Open Source." - Lord Maude of Horsham, Former Cabinet Minister, UK Government

"The definitive handbook for anyone studying, working, or simply interested in learning more about Open Source, this volume provides compelling and comprehensive cross-disciplinary analyses, charting the evolution of Open Source from ideological beginnings into the critical public infrastructure the world relies on today. With contributions from the leading thinkers and practitioners in this field, even the most seasoned Open Source professionals will find this volume essential reading and reference material." - Dr Rebecca Rumbul, CEO Rust Foundation