Publications
Publications
- April 2006 (Revised March 2007)
- HBS Case Collection
Black Duck Software
By: Constance E. Bagley and David Lane
Abstract
Black Duck Software involves a venture-backed start-up that converted software developers' concerns about violating copyright licensing agreements or open source protocols into an opportunity to help firms use technology to better manage their compliance efforts. Requires students to wrestle with the uncertainties of copyright compliance as they decide whether Black Duck should certify that their clients' code is noninfringing. Also raises questions about which growth opportunities Black Duck should pursue.
Keywords
Value Creation; Law; Open Source Distribution; Applications and Software; Business Startups; Copyright
Citation
Bagley, Constance E., and David Lane. "Black Duck Software." Harvard Business School Case 806-121, April 2006. (Revised March 2007.)