Innovation and Product Development through Open Source Software vs Intellectual Property
Hi! Welcome to my blog… I’m currently taking a class on Open Source for the Common Good at UVA, and I’ve decided to create a blog to keep everyone updated about the global issues on technology related to Open Source Software and Intellectual Property under the law.
I will define concepts and then continue to state the advantages and disadvantages of both technologies in regards to product development and innovation, and provide examples in case the word choice gets complicated, or if this is your first time here…
Glossary:
*Some of the definitions used were taken of the web and are only in relation to the subject*
Open Source Software (OSS): A software distributed under a licensing agreement which permits the code to be shared and edited by other parties. This means that anyone who knows how, can use and modify open source software completely free of charge. (Software Advisory Service, Open Source vs Licensed Software)
Licensed Software: A proprietary software distributed under a licensing agreement to authorized users only. (Software Advisory Service, Open Source vs Licensed Software)
Intellectual Property (IP): Refers to creations, such as codes, artistic work, or inventions that are protected by the law with patents, copyright or trademarks for the proprietary to earn recognition or financial benefits.
Open Source Software and Intellectual Property have an ongoing public debate about which is better, or more important. Trying to find an answer in the internet may be extensive work and very tiering, so in this post I will try to summarize the advantages and disadvantages of OS and IP in innovations and product development.
To read more about the advantages and disadvantages of both technologies in general please read this articles:
https://www.theglobalipcenter.com/resources/why-is-ip-important/
https://connectusfund.org/7-main-advantages-and-disadvantages-of-open-source-software
Advantages:
Just to make sure we are on the right track, in simple terms OS is free information for the public. Basically, when someone studies a certain topic and discovers new information, and decides to share the information with the public, allowing them to use it and modify it for the own good. IP is when information is protected by the law by patents, copyright and
trademarks, which gives financial returns to the person who invented it.
After reading many articles I was able to select the advantages that I believe build stronger cases, when comparing OS + IP on product development.
Open Source on PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT
Advantages
Security and Quality: Since the code is open to anyone for free, the code is constantly being reviewed and receiving attention, so that decreases the chance of finding bugs, which is crucial when developing a product because it is very important to be flexible.
Initial Costs: The starting cost of the software is $0, this means that it is very inclusive to anyone who might be developing a product and has limited resources. And because more people are working on the code, you don’t have to pay thousands every time there is a bug.
Customization: When creating a business, things can easily change and the software needs to adapt accordingly. The agility of the code comes in handy with an OSS because there are no rigid restrictions to the code.
Disadvantages
Long term Costs: Even though OSS may look appealing then starting a business, it is very important to take into consideration that there are many additional costs that the user may be not taking into consideration such as, improved security, continuous innovation, improved functionality, and facing issues with compatibility.
Support: Since the code is free, and it is open to anyone, in case there are damages or viruses, there is no support team to help. To file a complaint you will probably have to fill extensive documentation. The attention is not optimal since "there are no customers"
Usability: Since the OS inventors are not trying to sell their software, they don’t put a lot of attention in user friendliness. This means that not a lot of time is given to creating manuals, and are usually written for other developers only.
(Naseer 2019, Open Source vs Licensed Software)
Red Hat is the world’s leading provider of enterprise open source solutions, using a community-powered approach. This video will help you understand their views on open source software
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4qCabv819Iw&feature=youtu.be
Intellectual Property on PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT
Advantages
Security: Your creations, processes, concepts and ideas are legally protected, preventing others from copying or stealing your work without you being benefit by this. When developing a product, it is crucial to maintain originality in order to be competitive
Enhancing Market Value: Selling, licensing or commercializing your products can generate income, resulting in an increase in your profits. When you are developing a product, receiving income is very important. Being able to win money back from the initial investment is always good. Specially because protecting your product is costly.
Disadvantages
Complex: Protecting your products legally includes extensive research. There are many different licenses that you need to explore in order find the one right for you (trademarks, copyright, patents, etc.). The entire process may take a long time and without the help of an expert finding the right license may be useless.
Cost: Protecting your creations, processes, concepts and ideas comes with a HIGH cost. Filling patent applications to protect something may take a lot of time and money. Specially if you have a complex product that will require the services of an expert. All these expenses may come in extra when starting a business.
https://www.upcounsel.com/advantages-and-disadvantages-of-intellectual-property
This video will help you understand the importance of IP according to Dr. Karin Immergluck, Associate Director of Licensing at UC San Francisco's Office of Innovation, Technology and Alliances
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=urAm2h1JsqQ
Experts on this matter have not yet reach a unanimous decision on which of these technologies is better for the evolution of our fast-paced world, so you don’t have to reach one either, but I hope this blog post helped you understand better why this issue is important to our daily lives!
References
“An Intellectual Property Law Perspective on Open Source Software Licences.” Taylor Vinters, 10 July 2019, www.taylorvinters.com/article/an-intellectual-property-law-perspective-on-open-source-software-licences.
Chief, Editor in. “7 Main Advantages and Disadvantages of Open Source Software.” ConnectUS, 26 June 2015, connectusfund.org/7-main-advantages-and-disadvantages-of-open-source-software.
Naseer, Nayab. “7 Reasons to Use Open Source for Product Development.” Suyati Technologies, 18 Sept. 2019, suyati.com/blog/7-reasons-to-use-open-source-for-product-development/.
“Pros & Cons of Open Source in Business.” PDF Blog | Investintech PDF Solutions, 26 Aug. 2019, www.investintech.com/resources/blog/archives/7975-pros-cons-open-source-business.html.
Service, Software Advisory. “Open Source vs Licensed Software.” Home, www.softwareadvisoryservice.com/en/blog/open-source-vs-licensed-software/.
“Types of Intellectual Property.” WIPO, www.wipo.int/about-ip/en/.
“Why Is IP Important?” Global Innovation Policy Center Why Is IP Important Comments, www.theglobalipcenter.com/resources/why-is-ip-important/.












