NCJ Number
98759
Date Published
1984
Length
208 pages
Annotation
This book reports on the current legal situation regarding computer software 'pirating,' examines available options for preventing it, and provides guidance for planning and implementing a preventive strategy.
Abstract
One chapter describes the effects of patents, copyrights, and trade secrets (a method whereby the owner or originator of software does not sell it but may market a service using that software). What can and cannot be copyrighted is distinguished, and the effectiveness of a software copyright in preventing piracy is examined. Other ways software can be protected are reviewed, including building in internal 'bugs,' using undisclosed codes, and providing self-destruct features. Another chapter emphasizes the importance of a user's reading and understanding the limited warranty statement of software purchased to be sure 'bugs' and self-destruct features are not included. A chapter on computer software marketing considers its history, what customers want, what vendors are now providing, and controlling the release of software. A new approach is suggested for protecting a mass-marketed program from piracy. The book also supplies current case histories and relevant court decisions, information on new antipiracy laws, proposed rules for international program rights, and samples of license agreements and limited warranty statements. Appendixes contain (1) a notice of inquiry: deposit of computer programs and other works containing trade secrets; (2) proposed customs regulations and amendments for copyrights; and (3) software laws, protection, patents, rights, and agreements. Chapter notes are also included.