jim@tct.uucp (Jim Kunzman) (11/16/90)
I have a question about copyright source code published in books. Are
there any legal restrictions on using code (programs, algorithms, or
even routines) from listings published in books?
There seems to be two classes of books, those meant to be language
tutorials and those meant to be used a textbooks in computer science
or related courses. Are there any differences relating to these two
classes?
The many listings available through public access channels have
restrictions on their use, e.g. shareware, gnu freeware, etc. and
these sources clearly delineate the restrictions. Most books don't
list any restrictions, however. Does this mean that listings can be
copied from books and used (in either altered or unaltered form) to
produce commercial software?
I realize that I cannot copy a book. That would be a violation of the
copyright laws. But one can copy substantial material from a book
without copyright violation. Most listings on represent a small
portion of a book and are used for illustration purposes only. This
further complicates the issue, for what is "substantial?"
If you have any references on this subject I would greatly appreciate
knowing them. I'm not into looking into law libraries, but a useful
B. Dalton title might be useful. Thanks in advance for any information.
--
Jim Kunzman at Teltronics/TCT <jim@tct.uucp>, <uunet!pdn!tct!jim>
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