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Copyright Information

Information about copyright laws and fair use. Find out how to use sections of print, digital, audio, and visual materials legally

What do you need to know about the licensing of computer software?

Keep in mind that commercial software use is usually restricted by license. When you buy, install, or use software, you are actually acquiring a license to use the software from the company that owns the copyrights and will be legally bound by their agreements. The conditions and restrictions of the license agreements vary from program to program and should be read carefully, especially in regard to copying limitations, permitted uses, prohibited uses, and restrictions.

Depending upon the agreement, the license can be a:

  • license per machine
  • license per individual
  • concurrent license
  • file server license
  • site license

Olin College negotiates site licenses with software vendors for software products that are selected for extensive use to provide the college community with efficient access to these programs that support the curriculum while assuring the copyright owner a fair royalty. What you can do with software is limited by the license for that particular software package.

Software products that are not licensed to Olin College may also be licensed and used by individuals.

What are the different types of computer software?

Commercial protected by copyright license agreements vary single archival copy allowed derivative works not allowed  
Shareware protected by copyright should be identified as shareware single archival copy allowed derivative works not allowed adopters owe a fee to rights holder
Freeware protected by copyright should be identified as freeware copying allowed derivative works allowed with conditions distributed free: author retains rights but freely permits its use
Open source protected by copyright must be clearly identified as open source copying allowed derivative works allowed no distribution restrictions; purpose is to encourage further development of the software; version control is maintained for the purpose of tracking improvements and acknowledging contributions
Public domain not protected by copyright must be clearly identified as public domain copying allowed derivative works allowed no distribution restrictions

Can I copy computer software?

Copying of commercial software is strictly limited, except for backup purposes. Those that are strictly prohibited include:

  • a friend giving you software to try
  • making a backup of your office software for your home computer, where not specified in the license
  • downloading software from a rogue site
  • buying one copy for the office, but using it on multiple workstations etc.

You may make a copy of computer software that is in the public domain. Unless clearly marked as public domain, assume the software is copyrighted.

You may install software on multiple machines and distribute it to users via a network, providing the number of simultaneous users does not exceed the number of licenses; and the number of machines being used does not exceed the number licensed. A network license may be required for multiple users.

Can I put computer software on reserve in the library for student use?

Purchased computer software materials may be placed on reserve. Use limitations are subject to software licensing limitations.