Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988: Primary legislation governing software protection as literary work, moral rights, and assignment/licensing provisions in England and Wales
Data Protection Act 2018 and UK GDPR: Legislation concerning data protection obligations and requirements if the software processes personal data
Consumer Rights Act 2015: Relevant when software might be used by students who could be considered consumers, covering terms regarding quality and fitness for purpose
Patents Act 1977: Applicable legislation if the software includes patentable elements or innovative technical solutions
Computer Misuse Act 1990: Legislation covering security considerations and unauthorized access prevention requirements
Contract Law (Common Law): Common law principles governing contract formation, consideration, and terms and conditions in England and Wales
Competition Law: Laws governing restrictions on anti-competitive practices and territory restrictions in software licensing
Export Control Regulations: Regulations controlling the export of software and technology to other countries
Academic Institution Policies: Internal regulations, research funding requirements, and intellectual property policies specific to academic institutions
Open Source Obligations: Legal requirements and obligations if the software incorporates or interfaces with open source components
