Copyrighting my software

Discussion in 'Legal Issues' started by Happar.com, May 8, 2007.

  1. #1
    Hi all,

    I just recently bought some scripts and software , I really need a few tips on how to protect myself from fraud and resellers.
    Should they sign anything specific?
    how should i end the transaction to protect myself and claim i am the sole owner?
     
    Happar.com, May 8, 2007 IP
  2. jgjg

    jgjg Peon

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    #2
    might check out http://www.websitelaw.info
    I mean basically you can probably use a template legal form though I'm not sure if that site has what you need exactly.
     
    jgjg, May 8, 2007 IP
  3. reyotech

    reyotech Peon

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    #3
    Even million / billion dollar companies cannot protect their products...

    It's very hard with all the tech normal people can get access to... you can copy any CD / DVD... and no one will know.
     
    reyotech, May 9, 2007 IP
  4. smileydog

    smileydog Peon

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    #4
    Assuming you are in the US, if it is your software, or you bought full ownership rights, you should first file the source code with the US Copyright Office (copyright.gov) to protect your copyright.

    You can and should use license agreements when you prepare to give to a resller for distribution of even a third party who is going to use your software on their system. The type of document will vary widely depending on what it is your are licensing to the other party, and what rights you want to give them.

    Now whether that party will honor your agreement, and how you enforce it if they don't, is a whole other story...
     
    smileydog, May 11, 2007 IP
  5. RingBoxer

    RingBoxer Peon

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    #5
    To claim that you are the owner of software or any digital content just use digital timestamp services. Search Google for digital timestamp service.
     
    RingBoxer, May 11, 2007 IP
  6. smileydog

    smileydog Peon

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    #6
    well that really doesn't help in court if you ever have to wind up there. The court will ask where your registration is. If you register, the burden of proof immediately falls to the defendant. Without that, you are in the position of proving you own it, and a timestamp may or may not be sufficient (depending on what the judge ate for breakfast or whatever). In copyright law, registration is like a seal of approval, although not 100%, you're 99% there.
     
    smileydog, May 11, 2007 IP
  7. Happar.com

    Happar.com Peon

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    #7
    If you register, the burden of proof immediately falls to the defendant

    I don't understand.
     
    Happar.com, May 15, 2007 IP