QUALIFICATION OF COMPUTER GAMES IN COPYRIGHT LAW

Abstract

The aim of the paper is to discuss different options for qualification of computer games into appropriate category of copyright. The qualification is essential due to considerable differences between various protection regimes which emphasizes practical aspect of the issue. Difficulty in classification of computer games results from their specific structure which consists of software (computer programme) and audiovisual presentations. Some of the possible options include qualification of computer games as software or audiovisual work but other solutions are also taken into account such as: unnamed work, multimedia work or a completely new category of work. Due to the absence of Polish jurisdiction in this matter and insufficient research body it was necessary for the author to reach for foreign experiences and doctrine.

Keywords

• copyright law
• computer games
• multimedia works