Robert Scott - Scott & Scott, LLP
Managing Partner
Speaking Topic: Hot Topics in Open Source Licensing

As the managing partner of Scott & Scott, Robert J. Scott skillfully represents clients on technology issues including intellectual property, privacy and network security, and compliance. An innovative approach to legal services, Robert built Scott & Scott on premise that collaboration between legal and technology professionals is necessary to solve matters involving IT. By combining these resources, Scott & Scott is better able to serve clients' needs than law firms and technology services firms working independently of one another. Robert has also become a trusted resource on intellectual property issues, IT compliance, and the corresponding laws. He is regularly called upon by his peers to speak about these topics. Robert is a member of the State Bar of Texas. He graduated summa cum laude from Austin College in Sherman, Texas with a B.A. in business and economics. He earned his law degree from Hofstra University School of Law in New York.

Abstract

The presentation will include important changes in GPL 2.3 Version 3 as they relate to software patents, compatibility with other licenses, and controls and restrictions related to digital rights management, while providing legal insight to the terms and conditions that grant rights to the licensee for modification and resale purposes. Mr. Scott will also explore the business risks related to copyleft and the potential lawsuits that can occur as a result of distribution of modified work without abiding by the terms of the GPL and address common misconceptions such as the release of source code and resale/redistribution rights. Because the GPL is designed as a license instead of a contract and the terms of copyright law prevail, case overviews will include:

• Lewis Galoob Toys, Inc. v. Nintendo of America, Inc. and the derivative work standard
• ClearPlay and the Family Entertainment and Copyright Act of 2005
• SonicBlue and the commercial-skipping feature of ReplayTV
• SCO v. IBM. and rightful ownership of copyrights
• Wallace v. International Business Machines Corp. et al. and the encouragement of free competition