Copyright/Trademark

[brianwiz]

Hello,

I run a few websites by my main site is brianwisniewski.com where i release programs that i create. I have been informed by people I should copyright or trademark these programs? Is it neccesary? how much would it cost?

Also Can i sell the product i create as is with no warrenties or updates?

I probably need to raise money sooner or later for other ventures.

 

[DNQuest.com]

You obtain a copyright when you publish your works. It would also help if you put a copyright clause into your programs. You also obtain TM status through commerce. Selling your programs can afford you protection, but you will need to prove you are entitled to TM status if there is ever a legal matter. you can also register you TM (a registered mark) which the cost varies. goto www.uspto.gov to research TMs.

 

[brianwiz]

Thank you

 

[tricolorro]

:hi:

You didn't say what kind of programs. If they are software programs and are unique, not obvious, etc. ,you can actually apply for Patent protection.

Copyright wouldn't protect your work. It would only protect the way you have written and described your work.

You can Trademark the Program's Name if no one else has made a prior TM for the same thing.

Copyright only protects the words you have written and the way you have written them.

For example, you create a recipe for Tomato Soup and publish it somewhere with a copyright notice.

I see your recipe. It has onions and basil in it.

I can't legally exactly copy your recipe but I could change the wording,
halve or double the recipe...

or replace the onions and basil with scallions and dill and publish my own Tomato Soup recipe.

So your Tomato Soup recipe is not really protected.

A Patent would give your unique work the most protection from
unauthorized duplication.

However, you must get legal help from a qualified Patent/Trademark attorney..

If you publish and or sell your Program and then over a year later you want to get a Patent , it will be denied. It will be considered in the Public Domain.

I just now am reading a very good book which i highly recommend you also read. I borrowed it from the Public Library but you can most likely get it cheaply as a used book online.

My favorite place to find the best price for either used or new books is Campusi.com. http://www.campusi.com/

You can search by Title, author, ISBN # ,etc.

It's a great resource.

The book I am recommending is in the Rich Dad series and is titled:
"Protecting Your #1 Asset" by Michael A. Lechter.

By the way it also comes in audio form on CDs.

I just checked Campusi using the Title search.

The current cheapest price for the print version is on eBay. It's an auction.
If no one bids , you can get it for $2.24 plus $ 5.89 S&H totaling $7.73.

Get or borrow the book. It's great!.

HTH,
Patrick

P..S. All the above is just :imho: and should NOT be construed or mistaken for legal advice. It's just my personal point of view. Campusi and the Lechter book are just my personal recommendations.

 

[raidslvrs1]

yes ,you do need to raise some funds.

yes