ABSTRACT 1.9.1Computer and the law _Computer law is that branch of the law that regulates the technological aspects of information. Thus for example the law of defamation is not per se part of computer and the law but those aspects of defamation which relate uniquely too the information processing process activities will fall and therefore be treated as under the topic of computer and the law - particularly if the principals to be applied are much more complicated . A fair example would be would be if court is to determine whether an internet service provider is liable for information which passes across servers, even when he or she is not the other of such and did not originate the transmission of the information. Information processing is the automated transformation or transmission of digital information and the subject are extends to the information, processing aspects of the technology used hence the development of the subject computer and the law since the laws may have not envisaged certain technological advancements.3 The transformation in the society in which has been brought by information technology has given rise to qualitatively difference in legal issues. Traditionally, the law categorized the subject matter of commerce into goods and services and deal wit information either as an aspect of human behavior or through intellectual property rights .Manufacturing industry processed physical entities, which were distributed were well defined as far as the legal framework was concerned .

Table of Contents

Title page ....................................................................................................................... i

Declaration ..................................................................................................................... ii

Dedication ...................................................................................................................... iii

Acknowledgements ....................................................................................................... .iv

List of abbreviations ........................................................................................................ v

Table of contents ............................................................................................................ v

Chapter One:

1.1 lntroduction ....................................................................................................................... 1

1.2 Statement of the problem ..................................................................................................... 4

1.3 Research questions .............................................................................................................. 5

1.4 Objectives of the research ....................................................................................................... 5

1.5 Significance of the study ............................................................................................................... 5

1.6 Review studies ............................................................................................................................... 5

1. 7 Methodology ...................................................................................................................... 5

1.8 Abstract ................................................................................................................................. 5

1.8.1 Computer and the law ............................................................................................................ 5

1.8.2 Common themes ..................................................................................................................... 6

1.8.3 Information knowledge as species of property ........................................................................ 7

1.8.4 Distribution of resources and effort ........................................................................................ 7

1.8.5 The internet ............................................................................................................................. 8

1.8.6 Controlling of personal information ..................................................................................... 10

1.8. 7 Convergence of laws .............................................................................................................. 10

1.8.8 Computer and technology as a substitute to human endeavors ........................................... 12

1.8.9 The move from products to information services ................................................................. 13

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Chapter Two:

2.1 Introduction ........................................................................................................... 7

2.2 Contracts and contract making process ........................................................................... 15

2.3 Contract process ................................................................................................................... l5

2.3.1 Matters to consider ............................................................................................................. l5

2.3.2 Types of contractual provisions ........................................................................................... 16

2.4 Terminology ......................................................................................................................... l6

2.4.1 Nature of the Contract ........................................................................................................ l7

2.4.2 Software Acquisition ............................................................................................................ 17

2.4.3 Supply of goods .................................................................................................................. 23

2.4.4 Hardware acquisition ..................................................................................................... 20

2.6.5 Conclusion ....................................................................................... 50

Chapter Three:

3.1 Introduction ......................................................................................................... 21

3.2 Copyright ...................................................................................................................... 21

3.3 Infringement ................................................................................................................ 22

3.4 Copyright in the information and technology society ............................................ 25

3.5 Copyright infringement via the internet .................................................................... 26

3.6 Scope of protection for computer related programs ................................................. 29

3. 7 Idea and expression, symbolism and functionality ............................................................. 57

3.8 Case law development ....................................................................................................... 33

3.9 Defense ............................................................................................................................... 46

3.10 Conclusion ......................................................................................................................... 7 0

Chapter Four:

4.1 Introduction .................................................................................................................... 51

4.1.1 E- commerce (case study of the United states of America) ............................................ 52

4.1.2 Contract formation ......................................................................................................... 53

4.1.3 Requirement for signature ............................................................................................... 53

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4.1.4 Unifor1n electronic transaction ......................................................................................... 54

4.1.5 State laws ................................................................................................................... 56

4.1.6 New federallaw .................................................................................................................. 59

4.1. 7 Electronic records as negotiable instruments ................................................................... 60

4.1.8 Contracts relating to the supply of computer information ............................................ 60

4.1.9 Manifestation of assent and authetification ..................................................................... 62

4.2 Choice oflaw ........................................................................................................................ 63

4.3 Formation of contracts by electronic agents ......................................................................... 63

4.4 Mass market licenses .............................................................................................................. 63

4.5 Electronic errors ..................................................................................................................... 63

4.6 Warranties ............................................................................................................................. 64

4. 7 Electronic self help ................................................................................................................ 64

Chapter Five

5.1lntroduction ................................................................................................................ 66

5.2Conclusions and recom1nendations .................................................................................. 68

5 ... 3 Bibliography ............................................................................................................. 72