At 5/6/99 04:55 PM , Tom Brandt wrote:
>So software is language (which can be copyrighted) and not product (which
>can be patented), or is it both?  It will be interesting to see how this
>works out.

It's my understanding that copyrights apply to software and patents apply to
algorithms.  The difference in that an algorithm is an idea.  Software is the
expression of algorithms.  There are generally many ways to code software to
express algorithms; just as there are many ways to express in English a
philosophical idea.  Specific expressions are subject to copyright and ideas
can (under certain circumstances) be patented.

P.S.  Note that I am not now, never have been and never will be an attorney;
therefore, my opinions aren't valid as legal advice.
--
Jeff Woods
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