Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988: Primary UK legislation governing intellectual property rights, copyright protection, and licensing mechanisms. Essential for establishing the fundamental framework of software licensing.
Consumer Rights Act 2015: Regulates consumer protection, particularly relevant for warranty terms and liability limitations in software licensing when the end user may be a consumer.
Data Protection Act 2018 and UK GDPR: Governs the processing of personal data in the UK. Relevant when the licensed software processes personal data and must ensure compliance with data protection requirements.
Computer Programs Regulations 1992: Specific regulations implementing EU Software Directive, providing particular provisions for software protection in UK law.
Common Law of Contract: Fundamental principles of English contract law governing contract formation, consideration, and enforcement of contractual terms.
Enterprise Act 2002: Competition law framework ensuring licence terms do not create unfair market conditions or anti-competitive practices.
Competition Act 1998: Prohibits anti-competitive agreements and abuse of dominant market position, relevant for ensuring licence terms are compliant with competition law.
Berne Convention: International treaty governing copyright protection, ensuring automatic copyright protection across member states.
WIPO Treaties: International intellectual property protection standards that influence the framework of software licensing across borders.
Trade Marks Act 1994: Governs trademark protection and usage, relevant when the open source licence includes trademark provisions.
Patents Act 1977: Relevant for software-related patents and patent rights in open source licensing.
Electronic Commerce Regulations 2002: Regulations governing electronic commerce and digital transactions, relevant for online distribution of open source software.
