Panel: The current landscape of free hardware — licensing and beyond
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- Speakers: Michael Weinberg (OSHWA), Martin Häuer (Open Source Imaging Initiative e.V., Martin-Luther Universität Halle-Wittenberg)
- Moderator: Panos Alevropoulos (FSF volunteer)
- email: panos@gnu.org
Abstract
The free hardware ecosystem is steadily growing, powered by licences that enable open design, modification, repair, and collective development. This panel will explore the current landscape of free hardware, focusing on the complexities of licensing —from copyleft to permissive models— and their real-world impact on community collaboration. We'll look at how licences affect hardware development and commercialization, clarify common misconceptions, and discuss ongoing challenges such as navigating certification, business models, and long-term project sustainability. Panelists will reflect on successes, setbacks, and what's needed to move free hardware forward.