License Analysis and Compliance
License Analysis and Compliance
License detection in SCA tools involves sophisticated text analysis and pattern matching. Tools scan not just declared licenses in metadata but also license files, source code headers, and documentation. They must handle variations in license text, dual licensing scenarios, and custom license modifications. Machine learning models trained on thousands of license variants help identify licenses even when text differs from standard templates.
License compatibility analysis requires understanding complex legal relationships between different open source licenses. Tools model these relationships in graphs that capture permissions, restrictions, and obligations of each license. They analyze the entire dependency tree to identify potential conflicts—for example, combining GPL and Apache licensed code in ways that violate license terms. Commercial license tracking adds another dimension, requiring integration with procurement systems and vendor management databases.
Policy enforcement engines allow organizations to codify their license policies in machine-readable rules. These might prohibit certain licenses entirely, require approval for others, or mandate specific notices for attribution. Advanced policies can consider context—allowing AGPL licenses in internal tools but blocking them in distributed products. The engine continuously evaluates the evolving dependency graph against these policies, alerting on violations and preventing non-compliant components from entering protected branches.