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Copyrights
Hmm I wish to apply for a copyright for my HelpDesk script and have been to patent.gov.uk but got a bit confused with all the stuff they go on about.

They have a link for how to apply for a patent but not copyrights. It is a copyright I need I assume?

Also they have about 50 different patent options and prices.

Has anyone copyrighted code before that can tell me the steps involved?

I suppose I should just email http://www.patent.gov.uk really.

Thanks.

Last edited by:

RedRum: Jan 20, 2002, 11:04 AM
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Re: [RedRum] Copyrights In reply to
I just sent them an email but I'd still like to hear from people with experience. Thanks.
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Re: [RedRum] Copyrights In reply to
I'm in sort of a similar situation, and the information that I've found in the past is often confusing and like you said lots of different options.

Here's some favorites that I have stored, and have not been to in awhile because my project has been put on hold for awhile, give them a look.

http://www.benedict.com/
http://www.clari.net/brad/copymyths.html
http://www.siec.k12.in.us/~west/online/copy.htm

I think one of the lines on the myth sites that caught my attention was this line:
  • These days, almost all things are copyrighted the moment they are written, and no copyright notice is required.


  • You might have already seen some of these, but if you haven't there ya go!

    Later,
    Paul
    http://www.fullmoonshining.com for Pearl Jam Fans
    Quote Reply
    Re: [haplo] Copyrights In reply to
    Quote:
    These days, almost all things are copyrighted the moment they are written, and no copyright notice is required


    The above statement is correct in that a copyright exists when a work is created, a copyright is invoked. You must have a copyright notice or the work can be deemed to be given to the public domain. (c) 2002 PaulCo or something similar would probably be enough.

    If it is a logo, you would probably be better off with a trademark or service mark. A state or providence trademark or service mark is usually much more reasonable, easier to obtain and gives you a date and formal record of having registered the mark.

    This is what I understand US law to be and obviously, other countries will have different laws. In the US, you send a copy of your work and a fee ($20?) to file a copyright. The copyright is simply a copy of your work and a date entry when recorded. Generally, copyrights are not denied/challenged as a trade/service mark might be.

    You could copy your website onto a CD and send it in and get a copyright on the entire site, and not get separate copyrights for terms of service, legal disclaimers, explanations, perl code, etc. Obviously, once you get a copyright, the work is accessable as a public record.
    --
    Rob

    SW Montana's Online Community
    Modular Model Railroading
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    Re: [RedRum] Copyrights In reply to
    As I understand it you only need to label your work with a Copyright notice, giving your terms and confditions, and if the work is your original work then your copyright is valid.

    Patent is a completly different idea. A patent is a stamp of ownership on an idea. I doubt that you were the first person to come up with a Help Desk system, so unless you're doing something radical then the idea has probably been patented before you.

    As far as I know, there's no way anywhere to register your copyright. No database, no forms to fill in, nothing. Just slap on the notice.

    - wil
    Quote Reply
    Re: [Wil] Copyrights In reply to
    Put the code on a floppy disk and post it to yourself certified mail and never open it when you get it. If you end up in court just give them the sealed envelope with your code inside. It prooves that you made it first.

    Add: Copyright (c) 2002 Paul Middlename Wilson and your address to the code that you release as well and you should be right.
    Cheers,
    Michael Bray
    Quote Reply
    Re: [Michael_Bray] Copyrights In reply to
    ROFL!

    - wil
    Quote Reply
    Re: [Michael_Bray] Copyrights In reply to
    This is from http://www.benedict.com/...registration/why.asp which relates to US law.

    Although copyright attaches upon fixation, you cannot actually sue someone for infringing your copyright until you have registered your work with the Copyright Office. And if you register your work within three months from the date of first publication, or at least prior to the date of infringement, you can collect statutory damages from the infringer. Otherwise, you are stuck with actual damages, which depending upon the situation, may be only nominal.

    So it may be worth while finding out if the situation is the same where you are.

    The main concern though is international copyright law which relies on 180 or so participation countries.
    If someone from one of those countries that dosn't participate steals your site design, graphics, code and content and claims it for his own, then there is not a dam thing you can do about it realy.
    http://www.wipo.org/
    World Intellectual Property Organization

    Bob

    http://totallyfreeads.com

    Last edited by:

    lanerj: Jan 21, 2002, 3:31 AM
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    Re: [vanderen] Copyrights In reply to
    >>(c) 2002 PaulCo or something similar would probably be enough<<

    Just found this:

    >>
    The correct form for a notice is:

    "Copyright [dates] by [author/owner]"

    You can use C in a circle © instead of "Copyright" but "(C)" has never been given legal force. The phrase "All Rights Reserved" used to be required in some nations but is now not needed.
    <<

    ....it seems like a copyright isn't needed as it is already covered, however I encountered something in the past where someone stole my code and when I contacted their ISP I was asked for my copyright certificate.
    Quote Reply
    Re: [RedRum] Copyrights In reply to
    These links might help. They are all UK based. As long as you can prove that you're the original sole author I think you're fine. Proving that, though, could be difficult.

    Copyright, Design and Patents Act 1988 (c. 48)
    http://www.legislation.hmso.gov.uk/...ga_19880048_en_1.htm

    Copyright Licensing Agency
    http://www.cla.co.uk/

    www.copyrightvault.com - this looks dodgy.
    http://www.copyrightvault.com/

    HTH.

    - wil

    Last edited by:

    Wil: Jan 21, 2002, 3:42 AM
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    Re: [RedRum] Copyrights In reply to
    (c) was meant to be a C with a circle around it. Didn't know if HTML was turned on Smile



    testing: &copy;
    Cheers,
    Michael Bray
    Quote Reply
    Re: [vanderen] Copyrights In reply to
    Hmm I wonder if GT can shed some light on what they do with their code as it says Copyright in every file.
    Quote Reply
    Re: [RedRum] Copyrights In reply to
    In Reply To:
    Hmm I wonder if GT can shed some light on what they do with their code as it says Copyright in every file.

    What do you mean?

    - wil
    Quote Reply
    Re: [Wil] Copyrights In reply to
    He means if GT could tell him how they copyright their code (I think Wink)

    Andy (mod)
    andy@ultranerds.co.uk
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    Quote Reply
    Re: [AndyNewby] Copyrights In reply to
    Hmm think I may have to ask my sister about this.
    Quote Reply
    Re: [RedRum] Copyrights In reply to
    Why? Is she a lawyer Tongue

    Andy (mod)
    andy@ultranerds.co.uk
    Want to give me something back for my help? Please see my Amazon Wish List
    GLinks ULTRA Package | GLinks ULTRA Package PRO
    Links SQL Plugins | Website Design and SEO | UltraNerds | ULTRAGLobals Plugin | Pre-Made Template Sets | FREE GLinks Plugins!
    Quote Reply
    Re: [AndyNewby] Copyrights In reply to
    Indeed she is.

    Last edited by:

    RedRum: Jan 23, 2002, 10:26 AM
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    Re: [RedRum] Copyrights In reply to
    I thought we'd all given you the answer. Read the entire thread again. You just need to be the author. Original author and have a copyright statement in your code. Easy.

    - wil
    Quote Reply
    Re: [Wil] Copyrights In reply to
    Well you are wrong Im afraid Wil.....shock horror.

    Last edited by:

    RedRum: Jan 23, 2002, 12:05 PM
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    Re: [RedRum] Copyrights In reply to
    Really? Please do enlighten me. You can't tell someone they're wrong without stating why.

    - wil
    Quote Reply
    Re: [Wil] Copyrights In reply to
    I just did Wink
    Quote Reply
    Re: [RedRum] Copyrights In reply to
    Huh? Where's the correct answer, then? I don't see a correct answer by yourself anywhere? That all I see is "you're wrong" without any explanation or quantifying phrase. So, tell me - how am I wrong.

    - wil
    Quote Reply
    Re: [Wil] Copyrights In reply to
    I was referring to:

    >>You can't tell someone they're wrong without stating why. <<

    I'd love to stay and chat...really....but chicken curry and Chelsea vs Spurs comes top of my list.

    Last edited by:

    RedRum: Jan 23, 2002, 12:19 PM
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    Re: [RedRum] Copyrights In reply to
    Jeepers Paul, you can really piss me off sometimes.

    You are still looking for the asnwer after everyone in this thread has provided you with it. I pointed this out to you only to get a response from you saying "You're wrong".

    Well, how am I wrong Paul? Please can you explain to me exactly how you have come to the conclusion that my prioir statement was not true.

    - wil