A straightforward guide to the complex issues of copyright and
other intellectual property rights in software has been published
by the BCS.
Intellectual Property Rights in Software: A Practical Guide for
Professionals and Business Managers aims to give software
developers, suppliers and users practical guidance and a wider
understanding of intellectual property matters.
The guide follows the question and answer format of the
society's popular guides to the year 2000, e-commerce, the euro and
data protection.
"There are uncertainties about the application of the law, but
there are also practical measures that honest practitioners can
take to protect their intellectual property and to guard against
misplaced allegations of infringement," says BCS publications
manager Ian Jones.
"The guide provides clear and practical advice on how to ensure
your work is protected and, equally, that you do not infringe
others' rights."
Coverage includes how to get protection of intellectual property
rights, the individual and the organisation as creator and user,
the international dimension, and disputes and resolutions, with
case studies. There is also a list of books, journals and Web
sites.
- The guide costs £15 to BCS members and £20 to non-members. It
can be ordered on 01793-417411.