BYTES: Open Source Software
While open source software (OSS) forms the backbone of modern tech stacks and powers everything from infrastructure to AI models, many licenses come with conditions that can create unexpected legal obligations. In the first episode of “Bytes” — an extension of our “SkadBytes” podcast from Skadden’s IP and Technology team in London, providing concise, practical insights on key issues shaping today’s tech landscape — associate Emily Griffin demystifies OSS and copyleft licensing, a topic that frequently catches companies unprepared. Ms. Griffin explains the crucial distinction between permissive licenses like MIT and Apache, which impose minimal requirements, and copyleft licenses like GPL, which impose stronger obligations. She also discusses three essential steps that can help protect businesses from breaching license terms.
Whose Work Is It Anyway?: How UK Law is Grappling With Generative AI and Training Data
As generative AI transforms the creative industries, legal battles over intellectual property are heating up. In this episode of "SkadBytes," host Deborah Kirk is joined by European counsel Jonathan Stephenson and associate Alistair Ho to unpack the landmark Getty Images v. Stability AI case. They explore the core legal issues — copyright infringement, secondary liability and trademark misuse — at stake in the U.K.’s first major AI/IP lawsuit. The team also discusses the global wave of litigation against AI developers, the challenges facing creators and how this case could shape the future of copyright law, licensing and AI innovation.
Tech’s Shifting Landscape: Five Trends Shaping the Conversation
Introducing “SkadBytes,” our newest podcast where Skadden’s IP and Tech team discusses pivotal changes driving tech regulation and innovation. Host Deborah Kirk and colleagues Jonathan Stephenson and Alistair Ho reflect on their five tech trend predictions from the start of the year. Hear how new laws, enforcement priorities and proactive compliance are impacting tech companies and investors — and discover what to watch as the regulatory landscape continues to evolve.