Computer program protection: Options
The flexible combination of copyright with other forms of protection, such as business secrets and patents can contribute to overcoming "gaps" in computer program protection.
The interdisciplinary inspection team conducted inspections on the use of copyrighted software at organizations and businesses. Source: thesaigontimes.vn
Computer programs (software) are one of the most copyright-infringed subjects in Vietnam, with the rate of unlicensed software installed in personal computers reaching up to 74% according to a survey by the International Business Software Alliance in 2018. Vietnam is one of the highest countries in the Asia-Pacific region with the total commercial value of unlicensed software reaching 492 million USD. Although the application of information technology in businesses has increased sharply, the situation of software copyright infringement has not improved much, and the cost of using popular software is decreasing according to BSA representatives.
Computer programs are protected under the provisions of the Intellectual Property Law and are considered literary works whether expressed in source code or machine code. This form of protection surprises many people, not only about copyright infringement but also about copyright of computer programs. A computer program is defined as a set of instructions expressed in the form of commands, codes, diagrams or other forms, when attached to a medium or device operated in a computer programming language, capable of ability to perform work or achieve specific results.
During the course of working, computer programs created by employees will be owned by the employer unless otherwise agreed. However, you need to be careful with the content related to the labor contract, the terms of the intellectual property created, the use of resources by the employer, as well as the issue of waiver of moral rights and other guarantees.