Copyrighting Software

sde · 06-19-2002, 06:33 AM

I need to copyright some web applications .. and in the future I'll need to copyright other software. How do I do this?

tin_man · 06-19-2002, 09:13 PM

the bigger question is why you want to copywrite anything. Do as you wish though, but AFAIK, you only have to include a copywite notice, saying you own it and the date you first created it, but you might want to check with a laywer.

sde · 06-19-2002, 09:25 PM

here is why i believe i need to copyright some material:

- i write some scripts that can be used by anyone, or any business.. such as a shopping cart system, forum, or online school.
-i sell these scripts and the services to get them up and running.
-one of my customers is a developer .. and he copyrites my code.
-then he turns around and sues me for selling his code.

i'm sure there's plenty other good reasons to protect your work, but this is one of my primary concerns. it's just to protect myself.. not go after anyone else.

yeah, i should talk to a laywer .. thanks for the reply

tin_man · 06-19-2002, 09:31 PM

Oh, I understand, that would be a bad thing, having someone sue you for selling your own code, but the way thigs are going right now, I wouldn't be a bit supprised it happens. Your best bet would be to talk to a laywer though, and have him/her draft up a bulletproof way to make sure your code stays yours. Best of luck to ya.

sde · 06-19-2002, 09:38 PM

cool thanks ... that sounds expensive, but probably worth it.

tin_man · 06-19-2002, 09:42 PM

Well, I don't know your stance on things like the GPL, but you could release your software under somthing like the LGPL, or the BSD licesinse(sp), using one of these premade contracts will cut down on costs.

abc123 · 06-20-2002, 12:46 AM

but then he can't sell it!

i dont know if i like copyrighting code however... i think you can copyright a "package" but not *code*

e.g. you can't copyright

Code:

System.out.println("my code!!!");

but you may be able to copyright your program... look into it, but unless you sell your code as a "package" i doubt if it can be copyrighted.

redhead · 06-20-2002, 01:48 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by abc123
but then he can't sell it!

i dont know if i like copyrighting code however... i think you can copyright a "package" but not *code*

Wrong, copyrighted code, wether its under GPL or LGPL can be sold just as anything else, the thing in *GPL copyright is, that the source must allways follow, so when someone bought your code, then they are free to turn on you, and give it away, but the copy they got from you, is your choice how much they should pay for. And the notice "This code orriginated from ME..." must allways follow, nomatter how much they alter the code, befor giving it away..

Sorry for incorrect spelling, but my 'b' key is broken..

sde · 06-20-2002, 06:26 AM

thanks for the replies .. i'm still not sure what i'll do .. and yeah, i was talking about copyrighting an entire package.. not some set of code. i'm more familiar with music copyrights .. and there are common musical phrases that you can not copyright .. or at least don't hold up in court. i'll look into those other licenses today. thanks.

revolution · 06-20-2002, 07:56 PM

basically with web based its all a matter of visual copyright © and time/date stamps. what i would suggest is to do two things...either use an existing (GPL, BSD....) or do the old fashion writers copyright, which in this case would be to put the app on a floppy or cd and seal it in an envelop and lmail it to yourself and leave it unopened. There are also copyright companies that will for a fee, take all your info and copyright it for you and keep track of potential copyright infringment for a year at a time. As soon as i can get into my friggin floppy in my new RH box, illsend you my contacts at my copyright office i use