Re: Copyright Protection for Programming Languages

From: Micah D. Stolowitz Esq. <micah[_at_]TechLaw.Com>
Date: Wed, 7 Dec 94 09:43:42 -0800

> Is anyone aware of any direct authority on the question of copyright
> protection (or lack thereof) for programming languages, such as BASIC?
>
> [stuff deleted]
> Jordan Breslow
> <jordan_breslow[_at_]ccmail.geoworks.com>

The executable program e.g. basic.exe is of course copyrightable as a computer program. Ideas, operation, function etc are not copyrightable subject matter. Rather, one should consider patent protection of a new language. The vocabulary or instruction set is iffy; any copyright there is likely to be very thin due to functionality, scenes a faire, etc. I'm sorry I did not exactly respond to your question but I haven't time to look up authorities right now.

Regards,

---
Micah Stolowitz
Marger Johnson McCollom & Stolowitz, P.C.	
Patent, Trademark and Copyright Attorneys				
650 American Bank Building, Suite 650					
Portland, Oregon  97205				
 	 

   	Telephone:	+1 503-222-3613
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Received on Wed Dec 07 1994 - 17:46:29 GMT

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