How to Copyright Your Software?
- Create Your Software: First, you need to create your software. Copyright does not protect ideas alone; it protects the expression of those ideas, which in the case of software, is the code.
- Fixation: Ensure your software is fixed in a tangible medium. This means that the software must be saved in some form where it can be perceived, reproduced, or otherwise communicated. This could be on a computer hard drive, USB stick, CD-ROM, or even printed out as source code on paper.
- Documentation: Prepare comprehensive documentation of your software. This includes writing up detailed descriptions, creating diagrams of the software architecture, and annotating your source code. This documentation can be crucial in proving the originality of your work if infringement ever becomes an issue.
- Add Copyright Notice: Place a copyright notice on your software and its documentation. The copyright notice should include the copyright symbol (©), the year of first publication, and the name of the copyright owner, for example: © 2023 John Doe.
- Register the Copyright
- United States: While copyright protection is automatic once your work is created and fixed in a tangible medium, registering your copyright with the U.S. Copyright Office provides additional legal benefits, such as the ability to sue for statutory damages and attorney’s fees.
- Application: You can apply for copyright registration online through the eCO (Electronic Copyright Office) system. Fill out the application form for copyright registration, pay the required fee, and submit a copy of your software for deposit.
- International: For those outside the U.S., check with your national copyright office or intellectual property authority to find out the specific steps and requirements for copyright registration in your country.
What is a Software Copyright?
Software copyright is a form of legal protection granted to the authors of “original works of authorship,” including software programs. This protection is applied to the software’s source code and object code, ensuring that the creator maintains control over their work. In this article, we are going to discuss Software Copyright.