Copyright protection of computer programs

Although patent protection is becoming increasingly available, copyright remains the favored method of protecting computer programs both here and abroad. Such protection extends to computer code and screen displays. The basic test of copyright infringement in other cases, whether the work is recognized by an ordinary observer as having been taken from the copyrighted source, has been adapted to computer cases. The limiting rule extending protection only to an original expressions of an idea, but not to the underlying idea itself, likewise has been applied in computer cases, including cases protecting screen displays. As in all copyright cases, each case requires judgement of its own particular comparisons and on its own facts.<>