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ARTICLE · 21 JUNE 2023

10 Things To Know About Copyright And Software

Gowling WLG
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In the latest instalment of our copyright article series, Matt Hervey, head of Artificial Intelligence Law and a partner in our Intellectual Property team gives his top 10 tips for copyright and software.

United KingdomIntellectual Property
Matt Hervey
Matt Hervey
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In the latest instalment of our copyright article series, Matt Hervey, head of Artificial Intelligence Law and a partner in our Intellectual Property team gives his top 10 tips for copyright and software.

1. Computer programs are copyright works

Computer programs are considered original works and are therefore copyright works. Copyright protection for computer software was harmonised across the EU with the introduction of the copyright (computer programs) regulations 1992 and the amendments made to UK law are still in force despite Brexit. In the UK, computer programs fall within "literary works" and this includes "preparatory design material" for a computer program.

2. Sort out ownership of copyright in writing

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