How do you deal with open-source license audits or inquiries from customers or regulators?

1 Know your OSS inventory

The first step to deal with OSS license audits or inquiries is to know what OSS components you use, where they come from, and what licenses they have. You can use tools such as FOSSology, SPDX, or Black Duck to scan your codebase and generate an OSS inventory report. This report should include information such as the name, version, source, and license of each OSS component, as well as the dependencies, modifications, and distribution methods of your product or service. You should keep this report updated and accurate, and review it regularly for any changes or issues.

2 Understand your OSS obligations

The second step to deal with OSS license audits or inquiries is to understand what obligations you have under the OSS licenses. There are different types of OSS licenses, such as permissive, copyleft, or dual-licensed, and each one has different requirements and restrictions. For example, some licenses may require you to disclose the source code of your product or service, provide attribution, or share any modifications you make. Some licenses may also impose compatibility or compatibility issues with other licenses or proprietary code. You should consult a legal expert or a compliance specialist to help you interpret and apply the OSS licenses correctly and consistently.

3 Establish your OSS policy

The third step to deal with OSS license audits or inquiries is to establish a clear and comprehensive OSS policy for your organization. This policy should define the roles and responsibilities of your developers, managers, and legal team regarding the use, modification, and distribution of OSS code. It should also specify the criteria and procedures for selecting, approving, and documenting OSS components, as well as the best practices and standards for complying with the OSS licenses. You should communicate and enforce this policy across your organization, and provide training and education to your staff on OSS compliance.

5 Respond to OSS audits or inquiries

The fifth step to deal with OSS license audits or inquiries is to respond to them promptly and professionally. You should designate a contact person or a team to handle the OSS audits or inquiries, and coordinate with your legal and technical experts. You should also verify the identity and authority of the auditor or inquirer, and clarify the scope and purpose of the audit or inquiry. You should provide the requested OSS documentation in a timely and complete manner, and address any questions or concerns that may arise. You should also document the audit or inquiry process and outcome, and follow up on any action items or feedback.

6 Improve your OSS compliance

The sixth step to deal with OSS license audits or inquiries is to improve your OSS compliance continuously. You should use the audit or inquiry as an opportunity to identify and resolve any gaps or issues in your OSS compliance, and implement any corrective or preventive measures. You should also monitor and evaluate your OSS compliance performance, and seek feedback and guidance from your customers, regulators, or OSS communities. You should also stay updated on the latest trends and developments in OSS licensing and compliance, and adopt best practices and tools to enhance your OSS compliance.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?