Copyright

Computer Programs and Copyright

Computer programs (or Software) are protected by copyright as literary works.  They are defined under section 10(1) of the Copyright Act as "a set of statements or instructions to be used directly or indirectly in a computer in order to bring about a certain result". 

A single word, copied or derived from a computer language or an individual instruction from a computer file is unlikely to be protected by copyright.  This is because they cannot be defined as 'a set' of statements or instructions. 

If you have a query concerning computer programs and copyright please contact the University Copyright Officer.