46. évfolyam, 2000. 3. szám

Archívum

After the presentation of the new copyright law that came to force on 1st September 1999 (law LXXVII. of 1999) (see Könyvtári Figyelõ, No. 1-2. 2000.), this time the changes of legal regulations related to Internet and multimedia applications are dealt with. The rules of creating and using softwares and databases are essentially different from general rules. They do not protect the logic basis and operation systems of softwares, but the unified system of its elements. A software is considered the product of an author only if its elements form a unified system by means of source codes, or subject codes. Those who acquire the right to use the software will also be entitled to copy, adopt, or modify the program. The free use of software is not allowed even for demonstration purposes. Library loan of softwares and computer databases is also forbidden. The database is protected by copyright if it is the intellectual achievement of the author so far as its content and organisation are concerned. It is also protected as a collection, but contracts must be made for the use of its parts with the authors of individual works and components.

It is difficult to acquire the copyrights required for the publication of multimedia CD-ROMs, that urges the foundation of the institution of the “one stop shop” as it is in western countries.

Most of the unanswered questions are related to the copyright of works on the Internet. The definition of duplication had to be broadened as well as that of the notion of public presentation of a piece. In the questions already cleared up ARTISJUS has laid the foundations of contracts that could be made with various associations having rights, however, copyright of Internet works, and the violation of these rights still require regulation.

Országos Széchényi Könyvtár Észrevételek (2001/04/19)