Borland wins appeal against Lotus over bid to copyright software menu

Article Abstract:

The First US Circuit Court of Appeals has overturned a lower-court ruling in a copyright-infringement case between Lotus and Borland. The appeals court ruled that Borland's Quattro Pro spreadsheet package does not infringe on Lotus's copyright for its 1-2-3 spreadsheet package. Lotus believed that Borland had infringed on the copyright by copying menus of commands. However, the court ruled that such menu commands are a 'method of operation,' thereby making them 'uncopyrightable subject matter.' The ruling may push more software developers to look into patent protection, which is more time-consuming and expensive than claiming a copyright. The appeals-court ruling comes at a good time for Borland, which is currently struggling with weak financial results.

Computer Software, Software Publishers, Lotus Development Corp., Industry legal issue, Patent/copyright issue, Litigation, Lawsuit/litigation, Borland International Inc., LOTS, BORL

---

Software makers are pursuing 'pirates' around the globe with fleets of lawyers

Article Abstract:

The computer software industry is stepping up efforts to legally pursue those who pirate copyrighted software packages. Software publishers step up legal efforts on an international level as pirating increases and causes greater losses for the industry. Industry observers say that pirating is significant problem domestically and a huge problem internationally. Estimates indicate that $3 billion a year is lost to pirating in the United States, and $5.3 billion a year is lost in Europe. Software publishers worry about offending their customers, but they worry even more about losing money.

Laws, regulations and rules, Copyright, column, Trends, Patent/Copyright Issue, Legal Issues, Lawsuits, Computer Software Industry, Software packages

---

Similar abstracts:

• Abstracts: Borland case briefs raise questions about software copyright protection. Lotus trial may clarify copyrights
• Abstracts: IBM is seen disbanding a unit set up to develop PC software applications. IBM, Microsoft expected to announce a realignment of roles on OS/2 work
• Abstracts: IBM is expected to unveil expansion in capabilities of CallPath software. Xerox to unveil workstation and software
• Abstracts: Microsoft accuses AOL, Netscape of deal. As Microsoft adds features to Windows, other software makers must adapt or die
• Abstracts: Motorola sets satellite phone link. Motorola taps Lockheed as partner to make phone system satellites. Motorola is expected to unveil plans for satellite system for cellular phones

This website is not affiliated with document authors or copyright owners. This page is provided for informational purposes only. Unintentional errors are possible.