Managing risk and opportunity in Creative Commons enterprises

Abstract

An eclectic mix of entities: businesses, educational institutions, non-profits and government departments make use of creative commons works to achieve their goals. Among these are newly emerging “commons enterprises”. Unlike entities which simply deploy creative commons as a tool in carrying out their ordinary activities, “commons enterprises” are structured around creative commons licensed works. This choice gives rise to unique opportunities and risks. What practical strategies can commons enterprises adopt to manage legal risk?