Features of the Licensing of Open-Source and Closed-Source Software

The article presents a study of the features of licensing regulation of circulation of computer programs with open-source and closed-source software. The widespread dissemination of computer programs has caused the need to regulate their circulation, including the use of licensing mechanisms. The objective of this article is to analyze the features and highlight the differences of license agreements used for open-source software, on the one hand, and with closed-source software, on the other hand. The importance of legal regulation of software circulation, including the establishment of license agreements, is shown. The classification of computer software according to the availability of the source software is given, and the influence of this feature on the choice of the type of licensing agreement is shown. Examples of license agreements for common software products are considered. The practice of regulating software circulation by means of licensing in several countries has been studied. Conclusions are drawn on the possibility and expediency of considering global experience to improve Russian legislation.