Created our own script and is ready to sell online.. now what? copyright issues etc.

Hi there, thank you for reading in first place.

We have created our software and are ready to sell the script through the internet. We just have finished the software and we will start the venture this month. But how do we protect software?

We have protect the software by encoding it. But what if someone is able to steal a part of the script and start his own for instance, how do we protect ourselves? We can setup legal documents end-user agreements etc. and notice that nobody is allowed to... etc etc. But what if it happen? Which steps can I take?

Also do I have to register the trademark and the TOS we have?

Thanks in advance

 

I would definitely put terms in your sale agreement that binds purchasers from reverse engineering and/or copying the code.

I would also definitely copyright the software. I have information on my website about how you can register a copyright. See Applying for a Copyright.

If you think that the software you have is unique you might want to try to patent it, or at least file a provisional patent application. Patents are significantly more expensive than copyrights though. I have information on this at:

Provisional Patent Applications

Finally, filing for a trademark is a good idea. In the US you have to already be using the trademark in commerce though. A logo and your name would be 2 separate trademarks. If you decide not to trademark right away just use the TM next to anything that can be protected, such as a logo, name or slogan. You will get common law rights. Do not use the R in a circle though unless you federally register. Take a look at these pages for more information:

Applying for a Trademark

Your rights even without a federal registration

Good luck.

-Gene

Patent Attorney & Founder of IPWatchdog.com