Claiming Copyrights and registering trademarks

[aztrix]

im just wondering what the laws are , if i create a program, do i automatically own the rights to it? how do i claim copyright on my programs? and how do i register my program names as trademarks? if anyone has any information, in particular Australian laws that would be greatly appreciated.

Cheers

[penagate]

You may claim copyright over any work that you publish as long as it contains certain elements which identify the work as your own. I am not terribly certain about trademarks but all the information is on Government websites.

Trade Marks
Copyright
The application process for your trade mark

[litlewiki]

Getting your brand trademarked can be a time consuming and lengthy process.Use a name that hasn't been used or trademarked before.
Make sure your software accompanies a suitable license and is distributed with it in every form(electronic or tangible) you distribute.