Black Duck Software Announces Legal Certification Program, Certified Legal Professional Directory

Program helps legal professionals attain certification as experts in interpreting Black Duck code assessment results

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Aug 03, 2010, 09:32 ET

WALTHAM, Mass., Aug. 3 /PRNewswire/ -- Black Duck Software (www.blackducksoftware.com), the leading global provider of products and services for accelerating software development through the managed use of open source software, today announced the availability of a certification program for legal professionals with clients involved in acquiring technology companies. More than 40 attorneys worldwide and their firms have participated in the certification program, which trains legal professionals in best practices for introducing Black Duck code assessment services into a software IP transaction.

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Many legal firms advise clients on open source licensing in the context of software M&A engagements. By working with Black Duck, these legal professionals can help their clients effectively manage the risks of open source-related intellectual property issues. To date, Black Duck has participated hundreds of transactions cumulatively valued at over $40B.

The Legal Certification program, open to IP and M&A attorneys with open source experience, introduces participants to Black Duck code assessment services and tools. It walks participants through process and provides valuable tips for working with both acquirer clients and target organizations. Finally, the Certification Program aids participants in understanding code assessment reports, communicating findings and providing recommendations to clients.

Certified participants are listed on Black Duck's website in a directory that can be accessed by clients looking for IP and M&A counsel.

"Many lawyers are familiar with open source software and understand that licensing and IP issues can affect transactions," said Robert Blasi, Esq., a partner in the Boston office of Goodwin Procter LLP. "The Black Duck certification course really helps one understand how technology can help an acquirer determine what they are buying."

For more information on the Black Duck Legal Certification Program visit http://blackducksoftware.com/certification/directory. To participate in a Legal Certification Program, contact [email protected].

About Black Duck Software

Black Duck Software is the leading provider of products and services for automating the management, governance and secure use of open source software, at enterprise scale, in a multi-source development process. Black Duck™ enables companies to shorten time-to-market and reduce development costs while mitigating the management, security and compliance challenges associated with open source software. Black Duck Software powers Koders.com, the industry's leading code search engine for open source, and is among the 500 largest software companies in the world, according to Softwaremag.com. The company is headquartered near Boston and has offices in San Mateo, California, London, Paris, Frankfurt, and Tokyo. For more information, visit www.blackducksoftware.com.

Black Duck, Know Your Code and the Black Duck logo are registered trademarks of Black Duck Software, Inc. in the United States and other jurisdictions. Koders is a trademark of Black Duck Software, Inc. All other trademarks are the property of their respective holders.

SOURCE Black Duck Software