摘要：This book is a study of how computer programs have challenged the thinking about and theactual use of intellectual property rights (IPRs) around the world. In general, the intellectualproperty (IP) system is governed by the same rules and applies equally to all fields ofdevelopments. However, the particular nature of computer software has challenged thesefundamentals.Software is a pluralistic product that contains several elements, each of which could fall intodifferent categories of IP laws. Computer programs can be defined as “a combination ofcomputer instructions and data definitions that enable computer hardware to performcomputational or control functions”1. IP protection applies differently depending on themanner in which those instructions and definitions are expressed. Currently, several protectionmechanisms are available for software, including copyright, patents, trademarks, contracts,licensing agreements, and technical measures of protection. It has been suggested that none ofthese mechanisms, if used individually, successfully provide an adequate level of protection tocomputer programs.
