I am an American and not familiar with continental European systems, but the Berne Convention and its implementation in the USA agree with you. Article 10 of the Berne Convention[1] requires compliance with "fair practice" when quoting another's program, and Article 12 reserves the right of adaptation to the author. (Under the Uruguay round agreement of TRIPS[2], computer programs are classified as literary works under the Berne Convention.)
Including a section of code containing creative expression -- which is required for it to be subject to copyright -- for functional purposes rather than teaching, commentary, or similar purposes is not fair practice (in the US, fair use) and requires license from the rights holder(s). [1]- http://www.law.cornell.edu/treaties/berne/overview.html [2]- http://www.wto.org/English/docs_e/legal_e/27-trips_04_e.htm Michael Poole -- To UNSUBSCRIBE, email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] with a subject of "unsubscribe". Trouble? Contact [EMAIL PROTECTED]
