Software can be broadly defined as a set of instructions, data or programs which, in combination with the underlying hardware and inputs from an end user, allow or cause a computer to execute specific tasks. It encompasses a wide range of categories. For example, operating systems (such as Microsoft Windows or Google’s ChromeOS) control and manage a computer’s basic functions. At the other end of the scale are applications which sit on top of the computer’s operating system and provide a particular, visible function to the end user of the machine. Examples of applications range from word processors to media players to games. Increasingly, delivery is through software as a service (SaaS), where applications are hosted on the supplier’s infrastructure and accessed by customers over the Internet.
This subtopic includes guidance, precedents and checklists relating to the licensing, development, distribution of and other commercial dealings involving software.
A software licence is an agreement that grants a customer the right to use a defined piece of software subject to contractual restrictions. It differs from an assignment, which transfers the intellectual property rights in the software (typically copyright in the source...
To view the latest version of this document and thousands of others like it, sign-in with LexisNexis or register for a free trial.
**Trials are provided to all LexisNexis content, excluding Practice Compliance, Practice Management and Risk and Compliance, subscription packages are tailored to your specific needs. To discuss trialling these LexisNexis services please email customer service via our online form. Free trials are only available to individuals based in the UK, Ireland and selected UK overseas territories and Caribbean countries. We may terminate this trial at any time or decide not to give a trial, for any reason. Trial includes one question to LexisAsk during the length of the trial.
The Cabinet Office, together with the AI Security Institute, National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) and Department for Digital, Culture, Media and...
Law360, London: Meta, X and TikTok urged the High Court on 5 October 2026 to strike down 'extremely onerous' demands from the communications watchdog...
Welcome to this week’s edition of the TMT weekly highlights: a hand-picked summary of news analysis, updates and new content from across the...
Law360, London: Around 80 actors, performers and public figures backed the ‘Save Our Voices Now’ campaign, launched on 8 August 2026, calling for...
Using framework agreements for servicesFramework agreements (sometimes referred to as master services agreements) are essentially umbrella agreements which provide standard terms and conditions for goods or services requested under individual 'call-off' contracts, often called statements of work or
Priority between loss reliefs in loss making companiesWhy does it matter?A company that is a member of a group and has incurred any of the types of losses available for surrender by way of group relief may, without any further rules, have more than one way in which to use the loss. There are a
If a rentcharge is shown as being informally exonerated on title information, does this apply to the current registered owner? Or does the informal exoneration only apply to the parties to the document which informally exonerated the rentcharge?This Q&A considers the situation where, at some point
Strike out—making an application to strike out a statement of caseA strike out order can be made either following an application by the parties or on the court's own initiative. This Practice Note deals with the scenario of the order being made following a party's application.Making an application
0330 161 1234