Intellectual Property Software & Information Licensing

Legal protections have been instituted around the world to protect intellectual property. One of the more prevalent methods falls under copyright protection provisions allowing for software and information licensing. The use of licensing for software use and distribution attempts to regulate its use and protect the interests of software creators and original authors.

What is Intellectual Property?

Intellectual property is composed of a variety of material, from literary and artistic work to logos, software information and programming. Intellectual property is categorized into two areas of protection, either industrial property or copyright protection. Copyright provisions generally protect software.

What is Licensing?

Licensing intellectual property and information allows consumers to make use of information and material created by someone else. Computer software is one of the most recognizable instances of licensing for many people. Depending on your location, you may or may not be able to successfully institute a licensing agreement. If the intellectual property and information you are trying to license is not protected under a country's provisions, you cannot license the product or restrict its use in that country.

How It's done

Upgrading a computer with a new operating system involves purchasing a software license which grants you the right to use the information and intellectual property that is incorporated in the software program and features. When you purchase the software, you enter into a licensing agreement which grants the rights to use the product from the licensor to the licensee or purchaser for an agreed payment amount.

References

• World Intellectual Property Organization. Licensing of Intellectual Property Rights.
• Understanding the WTP: Intellectual Property protection and enforcement
• Univerity of California San Diego. Intellectual Property Licensing.
• Copyright Laws. Software Copyright Issues.