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CopyRighting an application
- Thread starter mark01
- Start date
Cost depends on your country state. A good way to at least prove that it is yours is to mail a copy of the program via registered mail to yourself. Then don't open the package.
To copywrite you need to talk to a lawyer
Casper
There is room for all of gods creatures, "Right Beside the Mashed Potatoes".
To copywrite you need to talk to a lawyer
Casper
There is room for all of gods creatures, "Right Beside the Mashed Potatoes".
I checked into it some years ago. It wasn't too expensive, as I recall (in the US). I researched at the local library, so I know there are books on the topic. These days I expect that you can get the forms online. In fact, searching for "copyright office forms" took me right to (again, for the US)
Like taxes, you can do it yourself but might not want to.
Like taxes, you can do it yourself but might not want to.
- Thread starter
- #4
I would say so. The creation of an original work imparts copyright protection to it, but registeration helps enforcement and establishing the time of creation.
Casper's suggestion is also good for that part- a sealed, postmarked envelope containing the source would provide evidence of the program's existence at a point in time.
Casper's suggestion is also good for that part- a sealed, postmarked envelope containing the source would provide evidence of the program's existence at a point in time.
My suggestion (sealed envelope) is good if you write an app to say distribute to one or a few people. It will help you if they ever try to steal it from you.
If this is a general use app that you can distribute freely to the world, then I would copywrite it first.
Casper
There is room for all of gods creatures, "Right Beside the Mashed Potatoes".
If this is a general use app that you can distribute freely to the world, then I would copywrite it first.
Casper
There is room for all of gods creatures, "Right Beside the Mashed Potatoes".
Mark01,
If you believe your application has some real value, i.e.; is marketable, it is definitely worth the effort to obtain formal U.S. Copyright(s). As Ingarner points out there is an "intrinsic" copyright afforded the creators of original works under U.S. law, a second method considered to be a form of intrinsic copyright is to submit a copy of the works to the Library of Congress for filing.
It is also vital to establish a "public" record of the timeline, from conception through completion. You should keep a bound notebook with numbered pages (commonly called a laboratory notebook) and carefully record (and date) your progress, kind of like a diary. It is necessary that you have witnesses sign and date your entries frequently; the purpose in this is to develop witnesses to the timeline’s accuracy. A good policy is to utilize a Public Notary as well as several trusted individuals.
All have given good suggestions on this one, mailing certified copies of dated material and other mechanisms are also highly desirable. In short, document, document, document; do it as if it will be used as evidence in a Court of Law.
The reason for all this;
A Copyright can be successfully challenged in Court. Although a formal Copyright tips the scales somewhat to your favor, parties claiming first creation can successfully sue. You may need to prove in civil court (“a preponderance of the evidence,” as opposed to” beyond a reasonable doubt” of criminal coiurt) you were the "first one on the block," and that you did not abandon the endeavor or cease development for any significant period. I’ve seen such battles; typically, the argument becomes “we did it first,” and both sides rush to gather (create) evidence; the best and most evidence tends to prevail.
If you believe your application has some real value, i.e.; is marketable, it is definitely worth the effort to obtain formal U.S. Copyright(s). As Ingarner points out there is an "intrinsic" copyright afforded the creators of original works under U.S. law, a second method considered to be a form of intrinsic copyright is to submit a copy of the works to the Library of Congress for filing.
It is also vital to establish a "public" record of the timeline, from conception through completion. You should keep a bound notebook with numbered pages (commonly called a laboratory notebook) and carefully record (and date) your progress, kind of like a diary. It is necessary that you have witnesses sign and date your entries frequently; the purpose in this is to develop witnesses to the timeline’s accuracy. A good policy is to utilize a Public Notary as well as several trusted individuals.
All have given good suggestions on this one, mailing certified copies of dated material and other mechanisms are also highly desirable. In short, document, document, document; do it as if it will be used as evidence in a Court of Law.
The reason for all this;
A Copyright can be successfully challenged in Court. Although a formal Copyright tips the scales somewhat to your favor, parties claiming first creation can successfully sue. You may need to prove in civil court (“a preponderance of the evidence,” as opposed to” beyond a reasonable doubt” of criminal coiurt) you were the "first one on the block," and that you did not abandon the endeavor or cease development for any significant period. I’ve seen such battles; typically, the argument becomes “we did it first,” and both sides rush to gather (create) evidence; the best and most evidence tends to prevail.
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