Copyright Protection for Computer Programs in South Africa: Aspects of Sui Generis Categorization

This article considers the protection of computer software in South Africa. It deals specifically with copyright of computer programs as provided for in the Copyright Act 98 of 1978 which makes provision for the categorization of computer programs as a sui generis category of works distinct from literary works. It explores the level of copyright protection under this regime with reference to aspects like the subsistence of copyright, authorship, ownership, duration, moral rights and infringement. It also considers the effect of the sui generis categorization on compliance with the Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights and the anomalies that arise in the protection of preparatory work and computer programs. The focus is primarily on South African law.