Understanding Open Source Remediation

When you work with open source software, you eventually come across a licensing issue that needs fixing. Maybe a GPL component found its way into your proprietary code, or you discovered a library with no clear license at all. That’s where remediation comes in.

At Bitsea, we don’t just identify licensing risks, we help you fix them. Our team works directly with engineers and legal teams to clean up code, stay compliant, and keep your release schedule on track.

Why Remediation Matters

Remediation isn’t just about playing it safe, it’s about protecting your product, your team, and your reputation. Common reasons to remediate include:

Strong copyleft licenses like GPL or AGPL that can require you to release your own source code.
Commercial licenses you can’t afford or don’t have rights to use.
Weak copyleft licenses (like MPL or LGPL) used incorrectly.
Attribution requirements that are difficult or impossible to meet (like requiring a homepage link).
Code with unknown or missing license information.

Basic Ways to Remediate

Remove the code
Sometimes the simplest fix is to delete the problem component and plan to restore that feature later.

Follow the license
Add missing notices, release required code or purchase the proper license to stay in compliance.

Replace the library
Use a similar component with a more permissive license, like MIT or Apache. Test it carefully before release.

Accept the risk (with caution)
In limited cases, you might choose to accept minor risk if the component is widely used and has a low impact. But this should always be a documented, informed decision not a default.

More Advanced Options

Ask the author for a new license
It never hurts to ask. Many open-source developers are open to granting an MIT or commercial license if you reach out directly.

Re-engineer through clean room design
Recreate the functionality without copying code from the original. It takes time, but it removes the risk completely.

Start a new open-source project
If the existing license is too restrictive, building your own open-source alternative can sometimes be the best long-term move.

How Bitsea Helps

At Bitsea, remediation is one of our key service areas. We help your organization:

Prioritize which issues need attention first.
Identify safe and compatible replacement components.
Create attributions and notices to stay compliant.
Coordinate between engineering and legal teams.
Build long-term open-source policies that prevent future issues.

Our goal is to make open-source compliance approachable, sustainable, and stress-free — not a roadblock.

Questions to Guide Your Team

When reviewing your Bitsea audit report, here are some helpful questions to discuss internally:
For…

all components

Is it distributed, and in what form?
Has it been modified? Are those changes compliant?
Are license terms being followed?
Are source links and attributions in place?

copied or third-party code

What’s the true source of the code?
What does it do — is it part of your core IP?
Can it be replaced or rebuilt?

copyleft licenses (GPL, LGPL, AGPL, etc.)

Is it linked with proprietary code?
Is your use compliant?
Can you use a permissive or dual-license version instead?

commercial or “see license” terms

Does it require a paid license?
Are modifications or redistribution allowed?
Is the license transferable if your company is acquired?

unknown licenses

Can you identify the source and terms?
If not, can you safely replace it?

bundled or dependent components

Does the parent license cover the sub-component?
Has someone modified or reused it elsewhere?

permissive licenses (MIT, BSD, Apache)

Are all required attributions included?

The Takeaway

Open source is the backbone of modern software, but it also comes with responsibilities. Addressing license risks early keeps your codebase clean, your products compliant, and your team confident.

At Bitsea, we believe remediation isn’t just about checking boxes; it’s about doing right by the open-source community that makes our work possible.

Let’s Make It Right Together

If your team needs help identifying or fixing open-source license issues, Bitsea can help.
Reach out to us for a code compliance review or remediation consultation, and let’s make sure your open-source use is secure, compliant, and sustainable.

Contact Bitsea to Learn More