Chapter 2. Towards the Enrichment and Spread of Culture
� 7 A Copyright System for a Changing Society
4. Future Tasks for Consideration
(4) Copyright issues related to computer programs
In the 1985 revision of the Copyright Law, it was made clear that computer programs are to be protected as works; however, various specific issues still remain concerning the interpretation and application of the Copyright Law as it relates to computer programs. To deal with these issues, in 1987 the Agency for Cultural Affairs instituted the Consultative Committee on Copyright Issues Relating to Computer Programs. This committee studies legal issues concerning copyright protection with respect to computer programs.
In 1993 this committee plans to investigate and research such issues as the reproduction of computer programs including reverse engineering (research and analysis of existing computer programs).
