開放原始碼模式下的法律糾紛與風險 -- 從 SCO v. IBM 案出發

Abstract

開放原始碼運動為軟體產業開創新的創作模式，在開放原始碼模式下的軟體持續增加，累積的成果有目共睹。但開放原始碼日益普及的背後並非沒有任何隱憂，尤其智慧財產權方面的法律議題，更關係著開放原始碼模式未來的發展。2003年SCO控告IBM侵權案，夾著可觀的商業利益及複雜的訴訟關係，並直接挑戰開放原始碼模式的法律基礎，正突顯了相關議題的濳在破壞力，也因而受到高度重視。另外，SCO後續衍生出幾個相關案件，這些案件加上前者便成了本文探討開放模式下法律糾紛的切入點。

從訴訟中各方紛陳的意見及盤根錯節的事實，本文進一步探討開放原始碼模式下其他潛在的風險。其中可以發現，幾個重要的考量多半與開放原始碼獨特的公眾授權模式有關，並且隨著開放原始碼的普及，瞭解公眾授權模式也變得比以前更加重要。針對已知的風險類型以及近年來智慧財產權制度的演變，有識之士指出軟體專利可能成為開放原始碼模式未來最大的挑戰，而值得研究。綜合各方對專利制度的批評與建議，加上開放原始碼模式的啟發，本文嘗試提出創設「公益專利」的想法。藉由運作機制的勾勒及可能利弊的初步分析，希望不但能為開放原始碼軟體營造一個更健全的制度環境，也能為專利制度的改革提供一個新的思考面向。

Creative Commons的成立與茁壯，將開放模式的典範延伸至電腦軟體以外的領域，給關心公眾創作領域者新的期待。受其啟發，本文初步提出「公眾智慧財產權」的概念，以同時涵蓋開放原始碼、公益專利及Creative Commons三者，希望藉此拋磚引玉，將來有機會發展出一以貫之的理論架構。最後，就產業面，則希望台灣廠商能善用各種開放原始碼軟體，強化既有以硬體為主的市場競爭力，並留意開放原始碼模式下特有的相關法律議題。

The open-source movement presents the world a new software development model. Its continuing success can be attested by the exponential growth of software projects under its wings. Pitfalls and challenges loom ahead, however. Intellectual property-related legal issues, in particular, deserve our special attention for their disrupting potential, of which the recent SCO v. IBM case and its surrounding legal entanglements serve as a timely reminder. Hence an in-depth analysis of important issues raised by the cases should be a good starting point for this thesis.

Going beyond the SCO cases, this thesis would also expore other risks associated with the various open-source licencing models. The threat posed by software patents stands out during the analysis, echoing the concerns by many open source pundits. After reviewing other proposed solutions so far, the author would like advance a new one—the “public patent” mechanism inspired by the movement itself, in the hope to strengthen the long-term viability of the open source movement, and add more fuel to the big debate of patent system reform.

The thesis would also touch on the Creative Commons and its likes that seek to extend applications of the open-source model to intellectual innovations beyond computer software. A primitive idea called “public intellectual property” is suggested to potentially better rationize the assortment of “open” innovations--open-source software, public patents and the Creative Commons—in a unified theory. Sketchy as it is, the idea is thrown out as a stepping stone of further brainstorming.

In closing, the theis would outline a few suggestions catered to Taiwanese IT industries, which might benefit from incorporating open source software into their development strategies.