Testimony on the copyrightability of computer software was heard at the 10th Commission meeting held at the New York Public Library in November 1976. This transcript of the meeting also includes reports of the Commission subcommittees on photocopying, software, networks, and data bases. (Author/AP)

The question at hand is: Can a computer program be copyrighted, patented, or protected as a trade secret? All three protective methods are examined, with special attention paid to the advantages and disadvantages of each pertinent to computer program protection. The scope of the protection and relevant case law are considered. The paper concludes…

Various aspects of the use of copyrights for computer programs are discussed including: the history of copyright protection for programs, applications of the Copyright Revision Act of 1976, rights of the copyright owner, formalities for acquiring copyright protections, and enforcing the copyright. (BH)