Open Source Software: Law, Business and Innovation (4059): Since the public release of the GNU Linux operating system as Free and Open Source Software (FOSS) more than 25 years ago, the FOSS model and the online social movement driving its success have had a dramatic impact on the tech industry. In this seminar students will master the intellectual property and software licensing law principles that serve as the foundation for open source software, along with the business models and strategy enabling and enabled by open source. This course will give students the tools and skills they will need to navigate a career in the tech sector where open source expertise is a competitive advantage. After developing the legal and business foundation outlined above, students will have the opportunity to apply their new skills in class exercises relating to (i) choosing the right license and governance structure for a start-up company's launch of a new software product; (ii) conducting due diligence as part of an M&A transaction involving FOSS assets; and (iii) interviewing a C-level executive at a VC-backed company that is commercializing open source software. The course will conclude with an exploration of how open source principles are shaping the modern generative AI movement. There are no prerequisites for this class. The class is open to law students and graduate students from other schools. To apply for this course, non-law students must complete a Non-Law Student Add Request Form available on the SLS Registrar's Office website (see Non-Law Students). After the term begins, with consent of the instructor, students accepted into the course can transfer from the exam section (01) into the paper section (02), which meets the R requirement. Elements used in grading: Class participation and either a take-home final exam or research paper.