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Information technology
Information technology, or IT, is the term for computers and everything that allows them to function, including computer hardware and software. The term also encompasses web sites.
Software
Most businesses rely on computer software to function. Accordingly, in acting for a purchaser of a business, it is important to secure the legal rights to use, adapt and maintain the software used in the business.
The main legal right associated with software is copyright. This is covered by the Copyright Act 1968 (Cth).
When purchasing a business, including the copyright to software, issues can arise, including the following.
- • ownership and sale of copyright;
- • software licence terms;
- • software support; and
- • software patents.
Websites
A website is often a core component of a value of a business. To secure for the purchaser all of the relevant legal rights to use a website of a business, the purchaser’s solicitor should give attention to the following:
- • domain names;
- • web hosting;
- • website software; and
- • text images and other materials (eg audiovisual) displayed on the website.
See Information technology.
