Software, Databases, Topographies

Software and databases are protected by copyright and related rights and enjoy special regulation. Integrated circuit topographies have a special legal status, while being individual subject matters of IP. They are widely used in IT — a field that is closely related to IP. Particularly, software, databases and integrated circuit topographies are actively used for creating and implementing new forms of IT, and in the process of distribution and commercialization of various information/electronic technologies.

No registration of a work or compliance with any formalities is required to use and protect copyright and related rights. However, right holders may register software and databases as well as circuit topographies with Rospatent.

We assist our clients in preparing the documents required for the registration of software, database and/or integrated circuit topography. We advise them on other issues associated with the legal protection and enforcement of software, databases and integrated circuit topographies, their development and exploitation, licensing and distribution, judicial and administrative proceedings. We also provide professional legal advice to our clients in using software and databases in various business models and IT spheres, including e-commerce, outsourcing, cloud computing, mobile applications, social networks, ‘big data’ and analytics.