Copyright..

[exasko]

How do you copy right your things, such as images, code? Is the only way with a lawya..



I heard myths about printing it out, mailing it to a worng address then when it comes back thats proof... but some one said that isn't true..

So.... :confused: how should I go about copy writing my scripts with out paying some one to do it

[Adam]

Check out GoDaddy's copyright protection service "c-Site".

Its cheap and does the job.

Link: https://www.godaddy.com/gdshop/copyright/landing_choice.asp?isc=&se=%2B&from%5Fapp=&rhl=gd+hdr

[Living Media]

You copyright things the instant they are saved into a fixed format, such as writing, photos, audio, or floppy.

You register the copyright (which is how you obtain proof and leverage that can be used in a court of law) by either contacting a lawyer, or trying the various copyright services. I would go with the "lawyer" route, though. Save up a whole bunch of questions and ask them at the same time. You may find that they're related, and you'd pay less in billable hours to have the lawyer do them all at once. (Examples: trademark / service mark registration, copyright filings, et cetera).

[exasko]

ehh... i wish there was a free way about doing this :)

[Chicken]

http://www.loc.gov/copyright/

For code, you can look into things such as Zend, but it's not cheap (far as I recall).

[exasko]

Thanks Chicken.. I will look into that

[Adam]

I doubt very much in finding a free solution im afraid.

[IBanners]

Read this: http://www.websitepublisher.net/article/copyright_primer/

[exasko]

Thank you.. :)

[NovaW]

I think the old wives tale is mail it back to yourself rather than a wrong address, but anyway.. You can register items for copyright, no need to involve a lawyer, but as mentioned above as soon as it's published you have protection - no need to even say copyright.

It seems a bit redundant to copyright code - just don't share the code with anybody. You cannot copyright what the code does, that can be copied unless you have a patent. Copyright just applies to created work (pictures, writing, songs etc) but it doesn't apply to systems or ideas

[gdrumm]

Finally, a topic I can contribute to. You need to register you copyright with the U.S. Copyright office. The fees are here http://www.copyright.gov/docs/fees.html. You need to provide them with copies of the material that you want to copyright.

I would not go to a lawyer, as they usually charge WAY TOO MUCH $$$ for what is actually a very simple process. For a website, which is effectively a literary work, you need to fill out form TX. Here's what the CO Office says...

Step 1
Make sure your work is a literary work. Literary works may be published or unpublished and include nondramatic textual works with or without illustrations. Computer programs and databases also are considered literary works. Here are more examples and specific information.

To register serials and periodicals, see the Serial Works instructions.

Step 2
Put into one envelope or package

a completed application Form TX or Short Form TX (choose which form to use)

a $30 payment to "Register of Copyrights."

nonreturnable copy(ies) of the material to be registered. Read details on deposit requirements.

Step 3
Send the package to

Library of Congress
Copyright Office
101 Independence Avenue, S.E.
Washington, D.C. 20559-6000

It's VERY easy!