Copyrights?

[kinjalgp]

How do I copyright my software? Has anyone done it before? Please explain me the procedure for International copyrights.



Kinjal

[Edited by kinjalgp on 05-01-2000 at 02:40 AM]

Copyrighting material is a straightforward process. Any "Intellectual" material is automatically protected by copyright laws as it pertains to the medium in which it was created.

Software, books, transcripts can all have your copyright notice placed within it from time of inception by adding either the copyright symbol ('C' within the circle), or by simply placing 'copyrighted material 2000 yourcompanyname' to your works.

To ensure your work is protected from theft and possible legal actions down the line. It is advantageous to also Register your work, with the proper Agency.

Go to The Library of Congress at http://www.loc.gov/copyright And you will find everything you need, to properly, and legally protect your works.

I am very new to VB and have some ideas for projects I would like to develop for my business. So I'm happy to be here!

vbMarketer

[Sam Finch]

I don't know about other countries, but in england the simplest way is to put the program on a disk and send it to yourself as a registered letter, and don't open it then if you find someone's copying it take them to court show everyone the letter, unopened and open it, showing that the software works and you had it before them.

Certainly this is one way to substantiate your claim in the event of copyright infringement. And can be an effective defense to protect your work, once it reaches costly litigation.

Although most individuals who are creating software programs don't have the deep pockets and army of legal corporate attorneys.

If the program developed is a small undertaking and no real threat exists for stealing... Then mailing yourself might be an acceptable alternative.

But if you are developing something significant, which may be susceptible to theft by larger companies... Then having the proper forms filed, would be in order. Otherwise, it could come down to whom may have been first to LEGALLY file proper copyright papers.

Even if you used the "Mail Yourself" method... Do you, or will you have the financial resources to defend yourself from intellectual property theft from "The Big Boys"???

~ vbMarketer