V. Krishna Priya Lahari, Pendekanti Law College, Osmania University
ABSTRACT
Software is an intangible collection of instructions that governs how a computer system operates. Due of the peculiar characteristics of software, it does not fit into any of the traditional good categories. Unlike with other types of products, when a customer purchases software, he or she receives a licence to use the product as well as some other particular and specified rights that govern how the product is used. Software and computer programmes face serious market competition, and they are particularly vulnerable to economic loss due to the fact that they can be accessed without payment and are also prone to piracy and duplication. Additionally, as a result of intense competition, there is a significant risk of becoming obsolete very quickly, as competitors may immediately produce a competitive product. Not only would IPR protection secure the owner's economic interests, but it will also foster innovation and creativity. The intellectual property legislation has been modified multiple times to meet the expansion and growth of the software sector. However, there is no regulation that handles software and computer programmes alone. While software is protected by copyright, patents, and in some circumstances trade secrets, our country lacks jurisprudence and hence heavily adapts the American way. Computer software is considered to be valuable property and is classified as intellectual property. India's intellectual property regime is evolving in lockstep with global markets. Copyright and patent law, as well as trade secrets, can all be used to protect software.
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