Software and the law

The Open University via OpenLearn

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Provider

OpenLearn
Pricing

Free Certificate
Languages

English
Certificate

Certificate Available
Effort

8 hours
Sessions

Self-Paced
Level

Advanced

Found in

In this free course, Software and the law, you'll look at the laws relevant to software and its use, taking a global perspective. A major part of this course is devoted to intellectual-property law, the issue of who owns software and digital content and how that ownership can be protected using instruments like copyright and patents. We also cover how contracts are used to formalise the relationship between purchasers and suppliers of software. Finally, we look at some of the laws that apply to information technology and software to ensure that organisations meet their responsibility of care towards employees, customers, and the general public.

Syllabus

Introduction
Learning outcomes
1 Why law is necessary
1 Why law is necessary
2 Intellectual property (IP) rights
2 Intellectual property (IP) rights
2.1 Motivations for IP laws
2.2 International cooperation on IP
3 IP rights: copyright, patents, marks and brands
3 IP rights: copyright, patents, marks and brands
3.1 Copyright
Copyright in the courts
Moral rights
Economic rights
Distribution and communication of copies
Exceptions and exemptions
Berne and TRIPS
Multimedia rights
3.2 Patents: introduction
3.3 Patents and software in the EU
3.4 Patents and software in the US
3.5 Trade marks, service marks and brands
4 IP rights: Common and public goods
4 IP rights: Common and public goods
5 Contracts
5 Contracts
5.1 Breach of contract
5.2 Contract analysis
6 Responsibilities to employees and the public
6 Responsibilities to employees and the public
6.1 Data protection legislation
6.2 Data protection law in the UK
6.3 Libel and defamation
6.4 Product liability and negligence
6.5 Limiting liability
6.6 Health and safety
6.7 Best practice in health-and-safety regulations
7 External threats
7 External threats
7.1 Legislation on misuse
7.2 Virus propagation as misuse
Conclusion
Glossary
References
Acknowledgements

Reviews

5.0 rating, based on 6 Class Central reviews

4.2 rating at OpenLearn based on 19 ratings

Start your review of Software and the law

Enrique Enriquez @EEnriquez
20

This course provided a profoundly insightful exploration of the legal frameworks governing software, masterfully balancing intellectual property theory with practical contractual and ethical responsibilities. I found the course descriptions to be pr…

This course provided a profoundly insightful exploration of the legal frameworks governing software, masterfully balancing intellectual property theory with practical contractual and ethical responsibilities. I found the course descriptions to be precisely accurate, thoroughly preparing me for the content. The stated time commitment was equally reliable, allowing for efficient completion without feeling rushed. Upon finishing, the certificate of participation was promptly issued as described, serving as a valid attestation of the engaging and professionally relevant material covered. The course presentation encouraged deep reflection on the tensions between innovation and regulation, making the study both intellectually stimulating and immediately applicable.
Sreeraj G. Pai @sreeraj85centralclass
1

Excellent course designed for learning basics of software and legality. Thank you
Sourav Raj Singh @souravraj
1

Best for law student ☺️
Ip rights
Patent pools do not correct all problems associated with patent thickets. In this respect, patent pools might not stop the outsider problem from striking pools. Moreover, patent pools can be expensive to negotiate, can exclude patent holders with smaller numbers of patents or enable a group of major players to form a cartel that excludes new competitors.
Tahire Memmedzade

This course was very helpful and well-structured. The explanations were clear and easy to understand, even for beginners. I especially liked the practical examples and exercises, which made learning more effective. The instructor was engaging and explained concepts step by step. I would definitely recommend this course to anyone who wants to improve their skills.
Susmoy Das (Himu)
1

"Software and the Law" is an informative and well-written book that explores the legal issues that arise in the software industry. The book is authored by respected legal experts who have a deep understanding of the complex and rapidly changing fiel…

"Software and the Law" is an informative and well-written book that explores the legal issues that arise in the software industry. The book is authored by respected legal experts who have a deep understanding of the complex and rapidly changing field of software law.

The book covers a wide range of topics, including intellectual property rights, software licensing agreements, open-source software, data privacy, and cybersecurity. It provides a clear and concise explanation of each topic, along with practical examples and case studies that illustrate how the law is applied in real-world situations.

One of the strengths of the book is its focus on the intersection between technology and the law. The authors recognize that the law is struggling to keep up with the rapid pace of technological change, and they provide valuable insights into how courts and lawmakers are adapting to new developments in the software industry.

Overall, "Software and the Law" is a valuable resource for anyone who works in the software industry or is interested in technology law. It provides a clear and accessible introduction to a complex and important subject, and it is sure to become an essential reference for software developers, attorneys, and policymakers alike.
Omayma Niya

A clear, comprehensive, and essential primer on the legal landscape for anyone involved in creating, managing, or distributing software. It successfully demystifies a subject that is often perceived as dense and inaccessible.