Source Code
/ˈsɔːrs koʊd/
Definitions
- (n.) The human-readable instructions and statements written in a programming language that form the basis for executable software, relevant in intellectual property law for copyright and trade secret protection.
The court examined the source code to determine whether the software infringed on the plaintiff's copyright.
Forms
- source codes
Related terms
See also
Commentary
In legal contexts, source code is often treated as a literary work under copyright law or as a trade secret when kept confidential.
This glossary is for general informational and educational purposes only. Definitions are jurisdiction-agnostic but reflect terminology and concepts primarily drawn from English and American legal traditions. Nothing herein constitutes legal advice or creates a lawyer-client relationship. Users should consult qualified counsel for advice on specific matters or jurisdictions.