Did you know that it’s coming up to 40 years since computer code could be copyrighted?
The Historic Decision
The decision was made on September 22, 1986, as a result of conflict between Intel and NEC Corp, with both companies wanting the right to build x86 processors. This was a groundbreaking moment in the tech world that still impacts how it looks today.
Impact on the Tech Industry
Since then, companies like Intel have been able to use copyright law to protect their code and legally own the software they create. On the flipside, it has also allowed companies to use existing code to create their own products, fostering competition.
Legacy and Future
The decision made back in 1986 paved the way for today’s tech companies, protecting developers’ hard work while still encouraging software companies to keep creating new products.
So, next time you’re thinking about code or software, remember this moment in history and how it helped to shape technology as we know it.
Computer Code Protected by Copyright – This Day in Tech History