Trade secrets and other IP protection

Copy protection devices

Guide

Copy protection devices come in several forms. They are usually digital codes embedded in electronic products which prevent, or frustrate, unauthorised copying.

Some copy protection systems require an access code before you can copy the product. Others cause unauthorised copies to be unreadable.

If you sell your digital products with copy protection and similar technical measures, you have the right to take action against anyone who makes or sells systems to get around the protection.

These rights are similar to those preventing copyright infringement. If someone deals in ways of overcoming copy protection, they may also be committing a criminal offence.

Other forms of copy protection can include holograms, brand marks and other unique elements on packaging, which identify original products and help to differentiate them from counterfeits. See more on copy protection devices for digital content.