17 U.S.C. § 117 — Limitations on exclusive rights: Computer programs

(a) Making of Additional Copy or Adaptation by Owner of Copy — Despite the exclusive rights in section 106, it's not infringement for the owner of a copy of a computer program to make, or authorize making, another copy or adaptation, if: (1) the new copy or adaptation is an essential step in using the program with a machine, and it's used for nothing else; or (2) it's made only for backup ("archival") purposes, and every backup copy is destroyed if the person no longer rightfully possesses the program. (b) Lease, Sale, or Other Transfer of Additional Copy or Adaptation — Any exact copies made under this section can be leased, sold, or transferred, but only together with the original copy and only as part of transferring all rights in the program. An adapted copy can only be transferred if the copyright owner authorizes it. (c) Machine Maintenance or Repair — Despite section 106, it's not infringement for a machine's owner or lessee to make, or authorize making, a copy of a computer program if the copy happens only because turning on the machine activates a lawfully-owned copy of the program, and it's done only for maintenance or repair, as long as: (1) the new copy is used for nothing else and is destroyed right after the repair or maintenance is done; and (2) any part of the program not needed to activate the machine isn't accessed or used, except as needed to make that copy by turning the machine on. (d) Definitions — For this section: (1) "maintenance" of a machine means servicing it so it works to its original specs, plus any authorized changes to those specs; and (2) "repair" of a machine means restoring it to work at its original specs, plus any authorized changes to those specs.