Software License

A software license is a legally binding agreement made between the owner or developer of a software program and the user, outlining how they can use and distribute the product. In this document, the responsibilities of each party are clearly defined, preventing and protecting the developer from infringement of copyright law. Typically, the software license addresses things like:

• If the user can view the underlying source code
• If the user can copy, alter, or redistribute the program
• Where the program can be installed and how frequently

What are the different types of software licenses?

Different types of software licenses require you to meet certain obligations if you want to reuse the code. Here are 5 common types of software licenses.

1.Public domain

This is the most liberal software license available. When software is in the public domain, it may be modified and used without restriction by anybody. However, before incorporating it into your own codebase, check sure it’s secure. Warning: Code that does not have an explicit license is not in the public domain by default. This comprises code snippets gleaned from the web.

2.Permissive

Permissive licenses are also known as “Apache style” or “BSD style.” They contain minimal requirements about how the software can be modified or redistributed. This type of software license is perhaps the most popular license used with free and open source software. Aside from the Apache License and the BSD License, another common variant is the MIT License.

3.LGPL

The GNU Lesser General Public License allows you to link to open source libraries in your software. If you simply compile or link an LGPL-licensed library with your own code, you can release your application under any license you want, even a proprietary license. But if you modify the library or copy parts of it into your code, you’ll have to release your application under similar terms as the LGPL.

4.Copyleft

Reciprocal or restricted licenses are other terms for copyleft licenses. The GPL is perhaps the most well-known copyleft or reciprocal license. These licenses enable you to change the licensed code and distribute new works based on it as long as any new works or adaptations are distributed under the same software license. A component’s license, for example, may state that the work is free to use and distribute for personal use only. As a result, any derivative you develop will be restricted to personal use only. (Any new program you create that incorporates the component is referred to as a derivative.)

The caveat is that your software’s users would also have the ability to alter the code. As a result, you’d have to release your own source code. Exposing your source code, on the other hand, may not be in your best interests.

5.Proprietary

This is the most restrictive software license out of all of them. All rights are reserved, according to the concept. It’s most commonly used for proprietary software that can’t be changed or transferred.

Copyright Law

Copyright law refers to the legal right of the owner of intellectual property. In simpler terms, copyright is the right to copy. This means that the original creators of products and anyone they give authorization to are the only ones with the exclusive right to reproduce the work.

Ownership vs. licensing

Ownership entails having complete control over the program and code. The entire rights to the work have been given to you by the original creator.
Licensing is the owner of the software’s authority to do specific actions with it, as specified in the license agreement.

Why is Software Licensing Important?

1.Using Unlicensed Software Is Against the Law

Using unlicensed software exposes you to legal and financial risk.Using unlicensed software is considered software piracy. Software piracy refers to the unauthorized use, duplication, or distribution of copyrighted software.The copyright owners can take legal action against you, and the government can force you to pay damages.

2.Licensed Software Offers Better Protection from Cybersecurity Threats

Licensed software decreases the risk of cybersecurity incidents.Did you know that you face a nearly one-in-three chance of encountering malware when you obtain or install unlicensed software?Reports have shown that people and organizations who use unlicensed PC software generally encounter more malware than those who don’t. Why? Because cyber criminals can pre-install or embed malware in the software and use it to gain unauthorized access to your information.

3.The Right Software License Can Save You Money

Licensed software can save money and increase efficiency.According to the BSA, fixing problems with malware from unlicensed software can cost more than $10,000 per infected computer.