Top System (Copyright - Legal protection of computer programs - Opinion) [2021] EUECJ C-13/20_O (10 March 2021)

Top System (Copyright - Legal protection of computer programs - Opinion) [2021] EUECJ C-13/20_O (10 March 2021)

Article 5(1) of Directive 91/250 permits a lawful acquirer to decompile a computer program where necessary for error correction, provided no contractual provisions prohibit it; decompilation for error correction is not subject to Article 6 requirements but must be limited to what is necessary for correction and within contractual limits.

Citation
[2021] EUECJ C-13/20_O
Parties
Applicant: Top System SA; Respondent: Belgian State
Jurisdiction
European Union
Judgment Date
10 March 2021
Procedural Posture
Preliminary Ruling / Opinion of Advocate General
Outcome
Opinion: Article 5(1) permits decompilation for error correction by lawful acquirer, not subject to Article 6 requirements; limited to extent necessary and contractual obligations.
Legal Topics
Legal Protection of Computer Programs, Decompilation, Error Correction, Exclusive Rights, Exceptions to Copyright
Copyright Information Technology European Union Law Legal Protection of Computer Programs Decompilation Error Correction Exclusive Rights Exceptions to Copyright

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Parties

Top System SA

Applicant

Belgian State

Respondent

Procedural Posture

Preliminary Ruling / Opinion of Advocate General

Legal Issues

  1. 1 Whether Article 5(1) of Directive 91/250 permits a lawful acquirer to decompile a computer program for error correction
  2. 2 Whether decompilation for error correction is subject to Article 6 requirements

Ratio Decidendi

Article 5(1) of Directive 91/250 permits a lawful acquirer to decompile a computer program where necessary for error correction, provided no contractual provisions prohibit it; decompilation for error correction is not subject to Article 6 requirements but must be limited to what is necessary for correction and within contractual limits.

Court Disposition

Opinion: Article 5(1) permits decompilation for error correction by lawful acquirer, not subject to Article 6 requirements; limited to extent necessary and contractual obligations.