Which statement about software and intellectual property is true?

Which statement about software and intellectual property is true?

• A. Software cannot be copyrighted
• B. Software is a type of intellectual property like books and movies
• C. Software is not intellectual property
• D. Software is always free

Answer: (B)

Software is a form of intellectual property just like books or movies. That means the code, its design, and the accompanying documentation are creators’ expressions that deserve protection. Copyright covers software much the same way it covers written works, so developers control how their code can be copied, distributed, or adapted. Some software ideas can also involve other IP protections, such as patents for novel inventions or keeping certain aspects as trade secrets, but the core idea is that software is a legitimate type of IP. The other statements aren’t accurate: software can be copyrighted, it is IP, and it doesn’t have to be free—its price and usage are determined by licenses and terms set by the creator or distributor.

Software is a form of intellectual property just like books or movies. That means the code, its design, and the accompanying documentation are creators’ expressions that deserve protection. Copyright covers software much the same way it covers written works, so developers control how their code can be copied, distributed, or adapted. Some software ideas can also involve other IP protections, such as patents for novel inventions or keeping certain aspects as trade secrets, but the core idea is that software is a legitimate type of IP. The other statements aren’t accurate: software can be copyrighted, it is IP, and it doesn’t have to be free—its price and usage are determined by licenses and terms set by the creator or distributor.