What are the copyright laws in the UK for software?

In the UK, the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988 protects software. Software codes, both source and object, are considered literary works and are automatically copyrighted upon creation. This gives exclusive rights to reproduce, adapt, and distribute the software. Licensing agreements can dictate usage terms for end-users. While copyright arises automatically, maintaining dated records of development stages and using software versioning can help prove ownership. Infringement can lead to civil remedies. Regular interactions with our IP attorneys can guide software developers in maximizing protection and managing breaches.