01 Mar 2011

Copyright protection for computer software: Functionality loses out again

Discusses SAS Institute Inc. v World Programming Ltd., which looks at whether owners of computer programs can prevent unauthorised copying of their software application functionality

The legal protection afforded to owners of computer programs to prevent unauthorised copying of the functionality of their software applications continues to raise issues and challenges for those advising in the technology sector.

The High Court’s decision in SAS Institute Inc. v World Programming Limited has gone some way to adding practical meat to the bare bones principles of copyright protection given to computer software.


This briefing was originally published in PLC magazine March 2011 and is reproduced with the permission of Practical Law Company Limited.

 

This material is provided for general information only. It does not constitute legal or other professional advice.

Contact Information
Rob Sumroy
Partner at Slaughter and May
Natalie Donovan
PSL Counsel and Head of Knowledge Tech and Digital at Slaughter and May