Open Source“Open source” refers to licensing schemes that allow (or, sometimes, require) computer source code to be distributed publicly along with the program. Generally, these licenses allow licensees to look at the source code, to copy it, to modify it, and to redistribute the program and any modifications. Some “copyleft” versions require that the source code for these improvements also be distributed; other open source licenses allow improvements to be closed. Because of the open code, open source licenses create a digital commons, where each developer in the community is able to take from and contribute to the commons. This digital commons is truly global-open source code is far less expensive to buy and can be freely localized to individual languages and needs, making it incredibly beneficial to developing and small countries’ attempts to join the global marketplace of ideas. The Clinic is also exploring the question of how far the open source model can be expanded. In a world of digital rights management systems, the rights afforded to the public by copyright law are threatened. It is possible that the enforced commons provided by open source licenses will allow copyright-holders to easily recognize these public rights.
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