This work analyses the scope of copyright protection for computer software in the United Kingdom,and examines challenges for the future. The work presents the case for the adoption and application of infringement methodology emanating from the courts in the United States, resulting in a narrower scope of protection than is presently argued for by many UK academics, practitioners and judges alike. The work makes a careful evaluation of the efficacy of the various prevailing tests for infringement of copyright in software and their progenies, suggesting an improved formula and advocating the utility of limiting doctrines to assist in the determination of substantial similarity of particular non-literal software elements, user interfaces and screen display protection. The monograph also contains a detailed study of reverse engineering, copyright defences, permitted acts, database protection and the copyright-contract interface in the context of computer software, not omitting crucial discussions of the internet, digital dissemination and the impact of recent treaty and legislative initiatives on British copyright law. As such it will be an important resource for practitioners, lecturers and students alike.

This work analyses the scope of copyright protection for computer software in the United Kingdom,and examines challenges for the future. The work presents the case for the adoption and application of infringement methodology emanating from the courts in the United States, resulting in a narrower scope of protection than is presently argued for by many UK academics, practitioners and judges alike. The work makes a careful evaluation of the efficacy of the various prevailing tests for infringement of copyright in software and their progenies, suggesting an improved formula and advocating the utility of limiting doctrines to assist in the determination of substantial similarity of particular non-literal software elements, user interfaces and screen display protection. The monograph also contains a detailed study of reverse engineering, copyright defences, permitted acts, database protection and the copyright-contract interface in the context of computer software, not omitting crucial discussions of the internet, digital dissemination and the impact of recent treaty and legislative initiatives on British copyright law. As such it will be an important resource for practitioners, lecturers and students alike.

This updated edition of the legal aspects of computer software security includes mention of the EC Directive on the Protection of Computer Software, the Computer Misuse Act, the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988 and its secondary legislation, and various relevant Court of Appeal decisions. It deals with issues such as the nature of computer programs, the ideal type of protection, competing policy considerations, breach of confidence, subsistence of copyright, the patentability of computer programs, infringement of copy agent and remedies.

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.