Copyright is a formal recognition of ownership of a created and published work. It protects the intellectual property of an individual or company by making it illegal to copy, modify, or distribute software or other intellectual property without relevant permission.
📖 Key Points About Copyright
Copyright is automatically applied when original work is created
It does not expire until 25-70 years from the death of the creator (depending on work type)
It is the individual's responsibility to take action if they believe their work has been copied
Copyright cannot apply to an idea - only to the actual published work
Copyright cannot apply to a component of a published work
1.1 What Can Be Protected?
📝 Types of Work Protected by Copyright
Literary work - books, articles, written content
Musical composition - songs, music scores
Film and music recording - movies, audio recordings
Radio or TV broadcast - broadcast content
Work of art - paintings, sculptures, photographs
Computer program - software and applications
1.2 Why Do We Need Copyright?
⚠️ Justification for Copyright Legislation
Creation takes time and effort and requires original thinking
There should be opportunity for copyright holder to be rewarded financially for their effort
It is unfair for others to reproduce work and make money without compensation to original creator
Encourages innovation and creativity
Protects the rights of creators
💡 Exam Tip
Remember: An exception to individual copyright is when a person is working for an organization. The organization can claim copyright for a published work if it is created by one or more individuals working for that organization.
2. The Copyright, Designs and Patents Act
The Copyright, Designs and Patents Act protects the intellectual property of an individual or a company. It makes it illegal to copy, modify or distribute software or other intellectual property without the relevant permission.
📖 Key Provisions of the Act
Requirement for registration - Recording the date of creation of the work
Defined period - Specifies when copyright will apply and expire
Policy if copyright holder dies - Determines what happens to the copyright
Renting/lending copies of the original work to the public
Performing, showing or playing the original work in public
Making an adaptation of the original work
2.2 Secondary Breaches
📝 Secondary Breaches of Copyright
Importing a copy of original work
Possessing or dealing with a copy of the original work
Providing means to make copies of the original work
Permitting the use of premises for making copies
Provision of props/equipment for a performance of a copy
3. Software Licensing
A software license is a legally binding agreement that specifies the terms of use for an application and defines the rights of the software producer and the end-user.
3.1 Commercial Software
📖 Commercial Software
Copyrighted software that must be paid for. The copying, distribution and selling is restricted to those who hold a license.
Users must pay for the software
Developer earns income from each purchase
Users cannot legally edit, copy, or resell the program
Developer retains full control over the product
Legal action can be taken against piracy or illegal distribution
Special rates may be available for educational use
Support and training are readily available
3.2 Freeware
📝 Freeware Characteristics
Software that is copyrighted but made available free of charge for an indefinite period.
Fully functional and available free of charge
Downloadable from internet or runs on the internet
Copyright protected - cannot be marketed as someone else's
Licence does NOT allow software to be modified
Author retains control and ownership
May have restrictions (not for distribution or commercial use)
Different from open source/free software - users cannot modify it
⚠️ Important Distinction
Freeware ≠ Free Software
Freeware: Free to use but cannot modify; still copyrighted
Free Software: Free to use, modify, and redistribute (libre freedom)
4. Shareware & Open Source Initiative
4.1 Shareware
📖 Shareware
Copyrighted commercial software that is initially given away on a free basis (free trial), usually for a limited time or with limited features.
Free trial period with limited features or time
Users must pay to unlock full version after trial
Encourages users to "try before buying"
Software is copyrighted - cannot be modified
May have pop-ups or reminders to purchase
Beta test versions often fall into this category
Encourages distribution to increase potential sales
4.2 Open Source Initiative (OSI)
📝 Open Source Initiative
A non-profit organization that promotes software that is freely available and open to everyone.
Allows users to view, edit, and share the source code
Encourages collaboration and improvement by the community
Open source does NOT always mean free (some are paid)
Developers must still credit original authors when modifying
Examples: Linux, Firefox, Apache Web Server
💡 Exam Tip - Key Differences
Shareware: Free trial → Pay for full version. Cannot modify source code.
Open Source: Can view and modify source code. Often free but not always.
5. Free Software Foundation (FSF)
The Free Software Foundation (FSF) is a non-profit organization that promotes the creation, distribution, and amendment of free software programs without any restriction. It supports user rights, transparency, and collaboration.
📖 Four Essential Freedoms
The FSF supports software that gives users four essential freedoms:
Freedom 0: Freedom to run the program for any legal purpose
Freedom 1: Freedom to study how the program works and change it
Freedom 2: Freedom to redistribute copies to friends and family
Freedom 3: Freedom to improve the program and share improvements
⚠️ FSF Rules Users Must Follow
Users CANNOT:
Add source code from another piece of software unless it is also free/open source
Use source code to produce software that copies existing copyrighted software
Adapt source code in a way that infringes copyright laws protecting other software
Use source code to produce software deemed offensive by third parties
Examples of Free Software: GNU/Linux, LibreOffice, GIMP
🧠 Memory Trick: "RUSI" for Four Freedoms
Run the program (Freedom 0)
Understand and modify (Freedom 1)
Share with others (Freedom 2)
Improve and distribute (Freedom 3)
6. Software License Comparison
Feature
Commercial
Shareware
Freeware
Open Source (OSI)
Free Software (FSF)
Cost to Use
Must be paid for
Free trial, then pay
Free to use
Often free, not always
Always free
Source Code Access
No
No
No
Yes
Yes
Can Edit/Modify
No - protected
No - protected
No - protected
Yes - with conditions
Yes - full freedom
Redistribution
No
No
No
Yes (under license terms)
Yes (freedom to share)
Copyrighted
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Developer Control
Full control
Full control
Full control
Shared control
Users have full control
Focus
Income & protection
Try before buy
Free use only
Collaboration
User freedom & rights
Examples
Microsoft Office
WinZip trial
Adobe Reader
Linux, Firefox
GNU/Linux, GIMP
💡 Quick Reference for Exams
Can edit source? → Only Open Source & Free Software
Always free? → Only Free Software guaranteed
Trial period? → Shareware only
Full support included? → Commercial software
7. Digital Rights Management (DRM)
Digital Rights Management (DRM) is a technology that enables copyright protection for intellectual property such as eBooks, music, training materials, and other digital files.
📖 What DRM Does
Protects digital files from unauthorized redistribution
Restricts how customers or recipients can copy content
Sets and imposes copyright protection for intellectual property
Controls access to digital content based on license terms
7.1 How DRM Works
📝 DRM Implementation Examples
When you buy DRM-protected product, it may come with a key that licenses a single user on one device
The key must be registered to activate the product
Streaming services limit downloads to prevent saving all content and cancelling subscription
eBooks may be limited to specific devices or number of devices
Music files may have playback restrictions
⚠️ Important: DRM Limitations
DRM can sometimes inconvenience legitimate users
Some users find ways to bypass DRM (illegal)
DRM-protected content may not work on all devices
If authentication server goes down, content may become inaccessible
8. Federation Against Software Theft (FAST)
The Federation Against Software Theft (FAST) was set up in the UK to protect the software industry against piracy. Similar organizations exist in other countries.
📖 Role of FAST
Protects the software industry against piracy
Prosecutes organizations and individuals involved in copyright infringements
Raises awareness about software licensing and copyright
Works with law enforcement to combat software theft
Provides guidance on software compliance
8.1 Software Piracy Impact
⚠️ Impact of Software Piracy
Many sites offer free downloads of copyrighted software/videos
Prevents copyright holders from earning income on their work
Peer-to-peer streaming prevents copyright owners from receiving income
Example: Downloading videos from Netflix and sharing them breaches the act
Affects both audio and video content
🌟 Case Study: Ed Sheeran Copyright Case
A case was brought against Ed Sheeran about his song 'Thinking Out Loud'
Ed Sheeran won his case - ruled he did NOT copy 'Let's Get It On' by Marvin Gaye
The songs had similar chord progressions but these are base of all modern songs
Sheeran said if found guilty he would give up his music career
In 2022, Sheeran also won a high court battle over 'Shape of You'
9. Key Takeaways
📌 Summary Points
Copyright Basics
Copyright: Automatic protection for original creative works
Primary: Copying, issuing, renting, performing, adapting work
Secondary: Importing, possessing, providing means for copying
Software Licenses
Commercial: Paid, copyrighted, no modification rights
Freeware: Free to use, copyrighted, no modification
Shareware: Free trial, then pay, no modification
Open Source: Can view/modify source, collaborative
Free Software: Four freedoms - run, study, share, improve
Protection Measures
DRM: Digital Rights Management - controls access and copying
FAST: Federation Against Software Theft - prosecutes piracy
10. Glossary of Key Terms
Term
Definition
Copyright
Formal recognition of ownership of a created and published work, protecting intellectual property from unauthorized use
Intellectual Property
Creations of the mind (inventions, literary works, designs, software) protected by law through patents, copyrights, and trademarks
Software License
Legally binding agreement specifying terms of use for software and defining rights of producer and end-user
Commercial Software
Copyrighted software that must be purchased; copying and distribution restricted to license holders
Freeware
Copyrighted software available free of charge for indefinite use; users cannot modify the software
Shareware
Copyrighted software distributed free on trial basis; payment required for full functionality after trial period
Open Source
Software with source code freely available for users to view, modify, and redistribute under license terms
Free Software
Software respecting users' four freedoms: run, study, redistribute, and improve the program
DRM
Digital Rights Management - technology controlling access to and use of digital content to prevent piracy
FAST
Federation Against Software Theft - UK organization protecting software industry against piracy through prosecution
Piracy
Unauthorized copying, distribution, or use of copyrighted software or digital content
Source Code
Human-readable programming instructions that create a software application; not always visible to users
Primary Breach
Direct copyright violation such as copying, distributing, or adapting an original work
Secondary Breach
Indirect copyright violation such as possessing or facilitating the copying of copyrighted work
11. Exam-Style Questions
1. Describe what is meant by the term 'copyright' and explain why copyright legislation is necessary. [4 marks]
Answer:
Copyright is a formal recognition of ownership of a created and published work
It protects the intellectual property of an individual or company
Creation takes time, effort, and original thinking - copyright holders should be rewarded financially
It is unfair for others to reproduce work and make money without compensation to the original creator
Additional: Copyright encourages innovation by protecting creators' rights
2. List three items that can be protected by copyright and two items that cannot be protected. [5 marks]
Answer:
Can be protected (any three):
Literary work (books, articles)
Musical composition
Film and music recording
Radio or TV broadcast
Work of art
Computer program
Cannot be protected (any two):
An idea (only the actual published work is protected)
A component of a published work
3. Explain the difference between a primary breach and a secondary breach of copyright. Give one example of each. [4 marks]
Answer:
Primary breach: Direct violation involving the original copyrighted work itself.
Examples: Copying an original work, issuing copies to the public, renting/lending copies, performing publicly, making adaptations
Secondary breach: Indirect violation that facilitates or involves the use of infringing copies.
Examples: Importing a copy, possessing a copy, providing means to make copies, permitting premises for copying, providing props/equipment for performance
4. Compare commercial software with freeware. Explain two differences. [4 marks]
Answer:
Cost: Commercial software must be paid for; Freeware is available free of charge
Support: Commercial software typically includes support and training; Freeware may have limited or no support
Rights: Commercial software users pay for license; Freeware users get free license but cannot modify
Income: Commercial developers earn from sales; Freeware developers may not earn directly
Additional: Both are copyrighted and users cannot legally modify either
5. A game will be released under a license. Identify which license(s) allow users to: (a) edit the source code, (b) must always pay before using, (c) can redistribute the software. [4 marks]
Answer:
(a) Edit source code: Free Software Foundation (FSF) AND Open Source Initiative (OSI)
(b) Must always pay before using: Commercial Software only
(c) Can redistribute: Free Software Foundation (FSF), Open Source Initiative (OSI), AND Shareware (trial distribution)
6. Describe the four essential freedoms promoted by the Free Software Foundation (FSF). [4 marks]
Answer:
Freedom 0: Freedom to run the program for any legal purpose the user wishes
Freedom 1: Freedom to study how the program works and modify it to meet their needs
Freedom 2: Freedom to redistribute copies of the software to friends and family
Freedom 3: Freedom to improve the program and share those improvements with others
Additional: Users must have access to source code to exercise Freedoms 1 and 3
7. Explain the purpose of Digital Rights Management (DRM) and describe how it works to protect copyrighted content. [5 marks]
Answer:
Purpose:
Protects digital files from unauthorized redistribution
Restricts how customers can copy content
Sets and imposes copyright protection for intellectual property
How it works:
Products come with a license key for single user on one device
Key must be registered to activate the product
Streaming services limit downloads to prevent saving all content then cancelling
Content may be restricted to specific devices
8. A software developer wants to release a program. They want users to pay after a trial period and want to retain full control over the software. Which license should they use? Justify your answer. [4 marks]
Answer:Shareware
Justification:
Shareware allows users a free trial before paying
After trial period, users must pay for full functionality
Software remains copyrighted - developer retains control
Users cannot modify the source code
Encourages distribution (try before you buy) to increase sales
Commercial software would not offer a trial; Freeware is always free; Open Source allows modification
9. Explain the role of FAST (Federation Against Software Theft) in protecting software copyright. [4 marks]
Answer:
FAST was set up in the UK to protect the software industry against piracy
It prosecutes organizations and individuals involved in copyright infringements
Raises awareness about software licensing and copyright issues
Works with law enforcement to combat software theft
Provides guidance on software compliance for businesses
Additional: Similar organizations exist in other countries to protect against piracy
10. Discuss the benefits and drawbacks of open source software compared to commercial software. [6 marks]
Answer:
Open Source Benefits:
Source code can be viewed and modified by users
Encourages collaboration and improvement by community
Often free or lower cost
Security issues can be identified and fixed quickly by community
Open Source Drawbacks:
Limited or no official support
May lack documentation
Quality varies depending on contributors
Commercial Benefits:
Support and training readily available
Guaranteed quality and reliability
Regular updates and maintenance included
Commercial Drawbacks:
Must be paid for
Users cannot modify source code
12. Exam Success Tips (Part 1)
💡 Copyright - Key Points to Remember
Copyright is AUTOMATIC when original work is created - no registration needed
Copyright lasts 25-70 years from the death of the creator