Oxford Cambridge and RSA
GCSE (9-1) Computer Science
Computer Systems
J277/01
Topic: 1.6 Copyright Designs and Patents Act (1988)
Time allowed: 30 minutes
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First name Last name
INSTRUCTIONS INFORMATION
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Section A: Short Response and Identification
1
State the primary purpose of the Copyright Designs and Patents Act 1988.
[1]
2
Identify two specific types of work that are protected by the Copyright Designs and Patents Act.
[2]
3
Tick (✓) the box that correctly identifies the illegal action under the Copyright Designs and Patents Act.
[1]
Accessing a friend's email account without their password.
Making a copy of a commercial software disk to sell to a friend.
Sending an offensive message to a person over a social network.
Deleting a database of customer records.
4
An artist scans their hand-drawn images to store them on a computer. Explain how the Copyright Designs and Patents Act protects the artist's work.
[2]
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Section B: Application and Analysis
5
A small software company has found that a rival firm has replicated the user interface and unique algorithms of their latest mobile application.

Describe two legal steps or rights the company has under the Act to protect their intellectual property.
[4]
1.
2.
6
Explain the difference between Copyright and a Software Licence.
[2]
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Section C: Extended Response
7*
A computer programmer has developed a new game. They are deciding whether to use a Proprietary Licence to protect their work or release it as Open Source.

Discuss the legal and ethical issues the programmer should consider.
[8]


In your answer, you should include:
  • How the Copyright Designs and Patents Act applies to both types of software.
  • The benefits and drawbacks of each choice for the programmer.
END OF QUESTION PAPER