What is source code escrow? What is a source code escrow agreement?

Source Code Escrow Agreement Computer Law Intellectual Property

What is source code escrow? What is a source code escrow agreement?

Software escrow means deposit of the source code of the software into an account held by a third party escrow agent. Escrow is typically requested by a party licensing software (the “licensee”), to ensure maintenance of the software. The software source code is released to the licensee if the licensor files for bankruptcy or otherwise fails to maintain and update the software as promised in the software license agreement.

What are object code and source code? Object code is the software’s programming code translated into machine-readable form, zeros and ones, which humans cannot understand and when compiled forms source code. The form of the code which humans write and understand is called source code.

A Source Code Escrow Agreement is an agreement between the software owner, the party receiving the license and the escrow agent. As it is a three-way agreement, negotiations can some times be difficult.

Click for an article covering more information on the clauses and these contracts in detail as well as forms to cover these situations.

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Must TV broadcasters use HDTV?

Broadcasters Hdtv Communications Law Intellectual Property

Must TV broadcasters use HDTV?

No. TV station operators will, for a time, be able to broadcast HDTV or use the digital technology to “multicast”. That means they can broadcast more than one standard definition television signal (e.g. normal NBC programming plus CNBC and MSNBC). The FCC and the broadcasters are still determining how this additional capacity will be used, but at least some digital television will soon be available in major markets. Additionally, the Gore Commission is currently determining whether broadcasters will have to provide additional public interest benefits, and what they may be, in exchange for receiving the digital spectrum free-of-charge.

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