This work for the layman explains how to get a copyright for software and computer output. The book discusses object and source code deposits, copyright laws and CD-ROMS, registration of computer games, copyright protection for databases, and many related topics.

Software Copyright Law provides expert guidance on all the significant developments in UK law relating to copyright protection of computer software. This new edition also considers the trend of US cases in relation to "look & feel" & covers issues on the growing software piracy market in the UK. Issues are brought to life using fictional examples to illustrate points of principles & covering areas such as copyright, confidentiality, contract & patents, with an analysis of the main US & UK cases. Thoroughly updated, the book takes account of new European developments including the Database Directive & a UK Government White Paper on the importance of rights in information copyright law. The book also examines a number of recent cases e.g. Microsoft v Electro-Wide & Creative Technology v Aztec.

The perfect book for software developers, programmers, publishers and authors, Copyright Your Software explains everything creative folks need to know about software copyright protection. It provides step-by-step instructions and all the necessary forms to register work with the Copyright Office. It also explains: who owns a copyright how to sell a copyright to publishers and clients what your copyright notice should say and where it should appear the scope of the copyright protection what to do about infringement how to recognize a derivative work.Includes new copyright office forms and the latest developments in this ever-changing field.

How has the legal system used its traditional body of copyright and patent law to protect rights in computer software? The last 15 years have changed the entire landscape with regard to the creation and protection of software as intellectual property. Written by a computer expert with extensive participation in some of the most important software trials of the period, this book invites you to think critically about significant software issues and learn about the legal pitfalls surrounding software development in the industry today. The book is organized around various legal issues raised by both plaintiffs and defendants in copyright litigation, and the problems of the U.S. Patent & Trademark Office in dealing with the rapid proliferation of applications for software-related patents. The author explains important terms and concepts in software litigation such as infringement, substantial similarity, reverse engineering, the merger defense, and look and feel. A succinct, readable survey for computer professionals, nonlegal academics, and lawyers who need a fast summary of the critical issues and cases in software and intellectual property matters.

The success of computer programs often depends on their ability to interoperate ' or communicate ' with other systems. In proprietary software development, however, the need to protect access to source code, including the interface information