Differences between copyright and patenting in software protection

Important elements 

Influencing factors 

1. Legal boundaries:
 - In the EU, pure software ideas without technical character are not patentable.
 - Open source licenses (e.g. GPL) use copyright to regulate terms of use. 

2. Technical complexity:
 - AI-supported code generation calls copyright into question (who is the "author"?). 

3. Corporate strategy:
 - Startups often rely on copyright, while corporations use patents for market power. 

Advantages for users and companies  

- Copyright:
- Fast, cost-effective basic protection.
- Ideal for individual software solutions and niche products. 

- Patenting:
- Monopoly position for core innovations (e.g. MP3 compression).
- Licensing generates long-term income. 

Current example (2025)

A Munich-based AI start-up has developed an algorithm for real-time sign language translation. 

- Copyright: Protects the Python code from being copied.
- Patent: Covers the unique combination of sensor technology and machine learning model. 

The future of software protection systems 

- By 2030, 60% of software licenses will be verified using blockchain (study: Gartner 2025).
- Tools such as AI license managers automate compliance checks for copyright and patents. 

Importance of software protection  

Target

- Copyright: Prevents direct copies of the code.
- Patenting: Blocks imitation of the underlying technical idea - even in the case of independent development.
- Relevance: Combined protection secures investment in development and creates competitive advantages. 

Conclusion

The combination of copyright and patenting is crucial for modern software protection and license management systems. While copyright protects the actual implementation, patents protect the innovation behind it. Companies must use both instruments strategically in order to survive in the digital competition.