united-states open-source-software
Methods for obtaining source code from an uncooperative company
<p>I purchased a commercial product in the United States that has user-upgradable firmware available by unrestricted download.  I am positive this firmware is based on an open-source project licensed under the GPL.  I would like the source for this firmware to make my own modifications, and being under the GPL they are required to give it to me.</p>
<p>I have contacted the company, and initially I got some traction, but eventually I got stonewalled.  I contacted the reseller I bought the product from, and they have shrugged their shoulders.  I want this source code, so what are my options to obtain it?</p>

<p>Gather evidence that the software you are requesting the source code of really is based on, in whole or part, an existing open source project that has a license which requires source code to be made available, and then contact that projects copyright holders.  Only they have standing to sue.</p>

<p>You're probably out of luck. The company distributing this firmware has an obligation to provide you the source code, but this obligation is to the copyright holder. You are not the copyright holder. The copyright holder would have to sue them for license compliance.</p>
<p>Practically speaking, you should contact the <a href="https://sfconservancy.org/copyleft-compliance/" rel="nofollow noreferrer">Software Freedom Conservancy</a>. They are not a law firm, but a foundation that also helps companies fulfil these obligations. They hold (partial) copyright in some projects that are likely to be involved here, such as Linux or Busybox. However, they favour cooperation with companies over aggressive lawsuits, so you're not likely to get the source code soonishly.</p>
