How do I copyright a program I have written

[CotswoldCS]

I have written a multimedia program on CD-ROM and need to copyright it so that people do not copy, reproduce or sell the hundreds of photos that are stored on the CD. How do I do this? Will simply putting a (C)2002 copyright the photos or is it going to be complicated.

I really would appreciate an answer on this. Please



PR

 

[Ray78]

Simply putting the (C)2002 copyright by Cotswold is all you need. This is of course assuming that you are the creater/owner of all the photos. If somebody else took the photos, then they hold the copyright, not you. You would also need permission to use somebody elses copyrighted works.

 

[bunker]

The second you wrote the code, assuming it's all original, it was copyrighted, unless you specify otherwise.

 

[Superwormy]

As soon as you write something original, its copyrighted by you automatically.

However, if someone was to try to copy it, you'd have a VERY hard time fighting it in court.

So if you're REALLY worried, you can register the copyright with the government, which basically means the government formally acknolodges and keeps a record of your copyright.

Another option is the take a CD with your software on it, and like a little note saying you mailed it to yourself, sign the letter, and mail it via United States Postal Service TO YOURSELF. Then NEVER OPEN IT. That way, you have a Federal authority ( the postal service ) putting a datestamp on a sealed envelope with your name and info on it. Then if you need to go to court, you just give the judge the sealed envelope. Shows that you made such and such on whatever date. As long as they didn't copyright it before you ( which can't happen cause you made it ) then it proves its yours.

 

[CotswoldCS]

Thanks for the info. Really reassuring

Regards
PR

 

[Gaunt]

Superwormy has it pretty much right, as far as I know... Atleast, that's the story I've been told in the past.

It also makes a difference where you live, though... copyright law isn't the same everywhere. Although, being able to prove you did something before someone else is pretty much the only thing you need.

 

[BitSpit]

If you want to officially register the copyright, you can get the info at the Library of Congress web site. The cost to register is $30.