Article Abstract:
The Spanish legislature has adopted the computer program copyright protections dictated by the European Community Directive 91/250 through acts passed in 1993 and following years, but enactment of harmonized laws has been complicated by Spain's failure to repeal prior law. The result is that prior copyright laws must still be consulted on all matters not addressed in the legislation implementing harmonization. In some matters, the dual nature of Spanish copyright law appears to grant software developers broader protections than those available to other copyright holders.
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Article Abstract:
The Netherlands adopted the European Community Directive of May 14, 1991 as part of its copyright laws in 1994 to harmonize computer program protections with other member nations. Personal authorship is required for copyright protection to be triggered, but originality appears not to be absolutely required. The Netherlands recognizes both economic and moral rights though these rights may be limited by employer ownership or the exhaustion doctrine. Semiconductor chip laws and patent, trademark and trade secret protections may also be applicable.
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Article Abstract:
Review of civil and criminal law protections for computer software in Canada reveals that copyright, patent law, contract law, trade secret, and trademark all apply to software to varying degrees. Patent law protection is limited to mathematical formulae that have been applied to some task. Copyright protection is more extensive and is in effect as soon as the work is created. The Canadian government is considering amending copyright laws to add fair dealing defenses and exceptions for non-profit institutions.
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