Question

Subject: Copyrights

Topic: Limitations on Copyright - Sections 184-185

A computer software company developed a revolutionary program that automates complex financial calculations. The company wants to protect their software from unauthorized copying and distribution. They have obtained copyright registration for the software. However, they are concerned about the limitations on copyright that may affect their exclusive rights as the owner of the software.

Discuss the following scenarios based on the limitations on copyright under Sections 184-185 of the Copyright Law:

1. John, a programmer, works for a different company and creates a similar program that performs the same complex financial calculations. He claims that his program was independently created and not copied from the original software. The computer software company wants to ascertain their rights against John. What legal recourse is available to the computer software company in this situation?
2. Anna, a college student, obtains a licensed copy of the software for academic purposes only. However, she decides to make copies of the software and distribute them to her classmates without the company's permission. Can the computer software company take legal action against Anna for copyright infringement?
3. A government agency wants to use the software for public service purposes. They believe that the benefits of using the software outweigh any restrictions imposed by copyright law. Can the government agency legally use the software without the company's permission? Explain your answer.