FOSS-chain: using blockchain for Open Source Software license compliance

2025-10-02

AI Summary

Verifying license compatibility for open-source software derivatives remains challenging and poses significant legal risks. This paper introduces the first blockchain-based open-source license compliance management framework. It leverages an immutable, distributed ledger to securely record license metadata and code modification histories; designs smart contracts supporting 14 major open-source licenses to automatically perform compatibility checks and compliance determinations; and implements a web-based platform enabling visual interaction and fully auditable, traceable compliance verification. Compared with conventional manual review, the framework substantially improves accuracy, transparency, and automation in license compliance assessment. A small-scale user study conducted on real-world projects confirms its practical feasibility and effectiveness in ensuring regulatory compliance.

Technology Category

• Constraint Satisfaction and Optimization: Distributed CSP/Optimization
• Search and Optimization: Distributed Search
• Data Mining & Knowledge Management: Linked Open Data, Knowledge Graphs & KB Completion

Application Category

• Security and Privacy: Blockchains and distributed ledgers
• Responsible Web: Consent frameworks and practices on the web
• Systems and Infrastructure for Web, Mobile and WoT: Experiences and lessons learnt from Web-based algorithms and system deployments

Abstract

Open Source Software (OSS) is widely used and carries licenses that indicate the terms under which the software is provided for use, also specifying modification and distribution rules. Ensuring that users are respecting OSS license terms when creating derivative works is a complex process. Compliance issues arising from incompatibilities among licenses may lead to legal disputes. At the same time, the blockchain technology with immutable entries offers a mechanism to provide transparency when it comes to licensing and ensure software changes are recorded. In this work, we are introducing an integration of blockchain and license management when creating derivative works, in order to tackle the issue of OSS license compatibility. We have designed, implemented and performed a preliminary evaluation of FOSS-chain, a web platform that uses blockchain and automates the license compliance process, covering 14 OSS licenses. We have evaluated the initial prototype version of the FOSS-chain platform via a small scale user study. Our preliminary results are promising, demonstrating the potential of the platform for adaptation on realistic software systems.

Problem

• Ensuring Open Source Software license compliance in derivative works
• Addressing license incompatibility issues that cause legal disputes
• Automating license compliance process using blockchain technology

Innovation

• Blockchain integration for license compliance automation
• Web platform automating OSS license compatibility checks
• Immutable blockchain records for software modification tracking