The regulations and contract clauses pertaining to the Government's rights when obtaining licenses to computer software programs and documentation are complex and highly unique, differing greatly from commercial transactions. Moreover, they have recently changed significantly. The software licensing landscape had altered greatly from a three-year rewrite by the Department of Defense, and from acquisition streamlining legislation. The result was an entirely new Part 227, Rights In Technical Data and Computer Software, of the Department of Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (the DFARS). These new licensing regulations contain, for the first time, clauses dedicated exclusively to computer software documentation. And, they substantially revise the basis on which a contractor can assert proprietary interests when licensing software products to the Government. These changes join the wide range of regulations, rights and responsibilities already in existence on the licensing of commercial and specially contracted-for software. In short, this is a complex, dynamic subject - one which software providers must know about, understand and be able to effectively manage at every step.
This special virtual course provides clear, authoritative analysis and instruction on software licensing, offering answers to vital questions and issues, including:
