Copyright question.

[709394]

I am about to release a software under the GPL license. But I have question about the word "Copyright(C)" that usually the author of the software write on the "About dialog". My question is the following. Do I have to register a copyright in order to use that word in my "About dialog"?

thanx!

Note: I hope that this is the right section of the forum. If not, move it.

[mrBen]

AFAI understand it, as the author of the code you automatically have copyright over it by the very fact that you created it. The only time it will ever be an issue is when there is a copyright dispute, in which case you only need to prove that you did, in fact, create the software. But you shouldn't need to worry about that.

[Pafnoutios]

He's right. You do not have to register your copyright (in the US), but if a dispute arises that goes to court, a registered copyright makes it easier to prove your case. Make sure to include the year after the (c). That is all you need: '(c) 2003'. Look at that, I just copyrighted my post; now every time someone views this thread and JustLinux reprints my post, they will be violating my copyright :).

[709394]

Thank you all for your fast reply!

[bwkaz]

Originally posted by Pafnoutios
Look at that, I just copyrighted my post; now every time someone views this thread and JustLinux reprints my post, they will be violating my copyright :). Except that when you agreed to the AUP here, you gave Jupiter Media the right to copy your posts (and so did the rest of us):

By posting, you hereby grant us a perpetual, non-exclusive license to the posted content for use online, in print, databases, CD, and any and all other media, whether now known or hereafter created. First bullet point here:

http://www.internet.com/corporate/privacy/aup.html

:D