copyright software

[thedee23]

What is the best and safest way to copyright software? I wrote a program and want to copyright it. What is the best way of protecting myself from having anyone else writting something similiar with the same concept?

[doofusboy]

I believe patent attorneys can best assist you with getting copyright protection.

[MartinLiss]

Here's U.S. Copyright Office's website.

[Armbruster]

As soon as you write code, it is copyrighted. What you are actually applying for is a copyright letter to prove you hold the copyright. This process can take up to 6 months. To protect yourself during the process . . .

1) Print out all of your code including form objects.
2) Burn a CD with all of your code and compiled exe and screen shot images.
3) Seal it up and mail it to yourself. (DON'T OPEN IT!!)

You will then have postmark proof of a point in time when the code was yours in case you need proof before you recieve a copyright certificate.

Good luck . . .

[Ben Powell]

I would add this: make sure that your copyright notice appears on your main form, in your help file, and in your EULA. Look for a current edition of SOFTWARE PROTECTION Practical and Legal Steps to Protect and Market Computer Programs by G. Gervaise Davis III