Copyright in computer programs (software)

Code as a written work

Source and object code are protected as written works (Art. 12(2)(2)). Protection does not extend to ideas, algorithms, or interfaces as such.

Author's exclusive rights

• Reproduction.
• Adaptation.
• Distribution.
• Rental.

Allowed limits

• Backup copy for personal use.
• Limited decompilation for interoperability with other programs.

Open-source licenses

GPL, MIT, Apache, BSD, etc. — operate as license contracts under their stated terms.