If you want to make your open source credentials official, a great way is to get an Open Source Hardware Association (OSHWA) Certification. The process to get your Open Source Hardware Certificate allows you to self-certify that you meet the OSHWA definition of open source.
When browsing electronic products like those found here, you undoubtedly see the words “open source” pop up. On the surface, this implies that the designs for the device are available somewhere, and that (in theory) you could build it yourself. If you’re the one selling this product, perhaps you have some vague sense that you qualify, but aren’t quite sure what that means in practice. The goal of the Open Source Hardware Certificate is to lessening confusion, and specify exactly what it means to call a product open source hardware.
The nice thing is that you don’t need to be a lawyer to understand the definition and certification process. There’s a great FAQ, but if you’d like a more “interactive” introduction to this standard, and the open source hardware concept in general, consider attending the 2017 Open Source Hardware Summit on October 5th in Denver, Colorado.
Tindie is a sponsor of this year’s Summit, along with several other organizations in our unique niche, so you’ll be in good company! You can buy tickets to the event here.
