|  | 
							
							
								|  |  |  |  
								|  | register |
										bbs |
										search |
										rss |
										faq |
										about |  |  
								|  | meet up |
										add to del.icio.us |
										digg it |  |  
								|   | How to Copywrite SometimesHOW TO COPYRIGHT SOFTWARE
 -------------------------
 © 1990 Locus Inc
 
 PREFACE
 
 This booklet is a programmer's guide to copyrighting software.
 It contains step-by-step instructions from a programmer/attorney
 how to apply for a Certificate of Copyright Registration.  This
 material is being distributed on the honor system.  It is not
 public domain or free, although it may be uploaded or downloaded
 freely.  Just like a book in a bookstore, you have a limited
 right to look before you buy.  If you send $12.95 to the address
 below, you will receive a printed copy of the complete work,
 including the official forms that could not be included because
 they contains non-ASCII graphics.  BBS Support (502) 561-0742.
 
 Thank you for your support!
 * * *
 Locus Incorporated, 122 Peace Lane,
 Pewee Valley, Louisville, KY  40056-9001
 * * *
 
 INTRODUCTION
 
 Everyone knows how easily computer programs and manuals can
 be copied.  Registration with the United States Copyright Office
 in Washington D.C. is an excellent way to protect your valuable
 work product with a minimum of red tape and expense.  Patents and
 trademarks are also valuable for computer software, but are
 beyond the scope of this simple work.  Patent and Trademark Office
 rules are not quite as "user friendly" as the Copyright Office.
 
 Understanding software protection requires some familiarity
 with the law of copyrights.  Chapter 1 explains the basics of
 copyright law relating to computer software.  Chapter 2 takes a
 nuts-and-bolts approach how to fill out the official Copyright
 Form TX to apply for a Certificate of Copyright Registration.
 Chapter 3 deals with the remaining details of what, when, where
 and how much to send to the Copyright Office along with your
 application.
 
 * * * * *
 
 NOTE:  This file is in standard ASCII text format with a hard
 carriage return at the end of each line.  It contains no special
 characters or printer control codes.
 
 ================================================================
 
 TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
 Preface
 Introduction
 
 Chapter 1  Computer Law Basics
 1.1        Ideas are Free
 1.2        Scope of Protection
 1.3        Bundle of Rights
 1.4        Infringements
 1.5        Copyright Notice
 
 Chapter 2  Application Form TX
 2.1        Space 1 - Title
 2.2        Space 2 - Authorship
 2.2.1        Name of Author
 2.2.2        Works Made For Hire
 2.2.3        Nationality
 2.2.4        Anonymity
 2.2.5        Nature of Authorship
 2.3        Space 3 - Dates
 2.3.1        Creation
 2.3.2        Publication
 2.4        Space 4 - Claimant
 2.4.1        Claimant is Author
 2.4.2        Claimant is not Author
 2.4.3        Claimant is Joint Author
 2.4.4        Transfer Statement
 2.5        Space 5 - Previous Registration
 2.6        Space 6 - Derivative Works or Compilations
 2.6.1        Preexisting Material
 2.6.2        Material Added
 2.6.3        Examples
 2.7        Space 7 - (deleted)
 2.8        Space 8 - Reproduction for Blind or Handicapped
 2.9        Space 9 - Correspondence From Office
 2.10       Space 10 - Signature and Certification
 2.11       Space 11 - Return Address For Certificate
 
 Chapter 3  Final Steps
 3.1        Filing Fee
 3.2        Deposit Requirements
 3.2.1        Special Relief and Trade Secrets
 3.2.2        Object Code and Rule of Doubt
 3.2.3        Screen Displays
 3.3        Mailing
 3.4        Office Action
 3.5        About the Author
 
 Appendix
 Index
 
 ================================================================
 
 CHAPTER 1:  COMPUTER LAW BASICS
 
 This booklet is designed to be a practical guide for non-
 lawyers.  A  conscious effort was made to cut out legalese and
 lawyer talk.  However, copyrights are deceptively simple.  The
 basic concepts can be stated in a few sentences, yet the law
 construing them occupies volumes.  By all means, consult with your
 lawyer if you have questions about any part of this registration
 process.  Or feel free to call the support BBS listed above.  Two
 other good sources of online legal information are GEnie's Legacy
 and Compuserve's LawSig.
 
 1.1  IDEAS ARE FREE
 
 Copyright does not protect ideas, only expressions of
 ideas.  What does that mean?  Think about it.  An idea is an
 original thought in your brain.  An expression is that same
 thought reduced to something you can see or hear.  Particularly
 with software, if you can see it you probably have an expression.
 For example, you can see source code, but not mental logic.
 Therefore, source code is protected, logic is not.  Thus, the first
 rule for any copyright is there must be a tangible form of
 expression.
 
 The second rule is that the expression must be original.
 However, a single idea can be expressed more than one way.  For
 example,  Lotus 1-2-3 and Microsoft Excel both share the same
 idea of an electronic spreadsheet, yet each expresses the idea
 differently.  They have different interfaces, file structures,
 and source code.  There is no infringement.  So, copyright only
 protects original expressions that are fixed in some tangible
 format.
 
 Sometimes an idea is so common or there are so few ways to
 express it that the idea and the expression are said to merge.
 A merger of the idea and its expression occurs when the expression
 is indispensable to the treatment of the idea.  As a result, the
 scope of protection may be severely limited if you end up in court.
 
 1.2  SCOPE OF PROTECTION
 
 Copyright protection is readily available for computer
 programs in all their forms, including source code, object code,
 and microcode.  You can also copyright written documentation and
 user manuals on the same application made for software.  However,
 copyright protection does NOT extend to the underlying procedure,
 process, system, method, concept, principle, discovery, formula or
 algorithm, regardless of the format in which it is coded,
 described, illustrated or embodied in the work.
 
 A derivative work is one based upon or incorporating a
 preexisting work.  For example, MicroSoft Windows 3.0 derives
 from Windows 2.0, thus 3.0 is a derivative work of 2.0, and so
 on.  Other examples of derivative works include translations (ex.
 rewriting BASIC into C), abridgements (ex. releasing a Lite
 version), and additions (ex. adding pulldown menus).  So whenever
 a work is recast, transformed, or adapted, and the changes are
 significant enough, you have a derivative work.
 
 A compilation occurs when you collect and assemble other
 preexisting materials or data.  The creative effort in a
 compilation copyright is in how you select, coordinate, or arrange
 the material.  The classic example of a compilation copyright is
 the telephone directory.  Another example would be a sampler disk
 or a collection of programs from various authors (ex. PC Magazine
 Utilities Disk).  Note that you must have a copyright owner's
 permission before reproducing, including or changing his work.
 
 Public domain materials do not belong to anyone.  They may
 be copyrights that have expired or the author has dedicated to
 the public.  Or perhaps the author never registered the work, or
 maybe the registration was denied for lack of proper subject
 matter.  Whatever the reason, public domain material does not
 have an owner, per se, and may be copied or included in derivative
 works and compilations.
 
 1.3  BUNDLE OF RIGHTS
 
 A copyright owner has certain exclusive rights.  Only the
 owner of a copyright on a program can:  (1) reproduce or authorize
 copying of the program;  (2) make derivative works or changes to
 the program;  and (3) distribute, license or sell the program.
 These exclusive rights last for the life of the author, plus 50
 years.  Or if the  work was made for hire (see Section 2.2.2), for
 75 years from the date of publication, or 100 years from creation,
 whichever is shorter.
 
 Having a Certificate of Registration is prima facie evidence
 of the validity of your copyright.  Also, if you are registered
 at the time of the infringement, the defendant can no longer
 claim to be an "innocent infringer."  Plus, you can recover your
 attorney fees if you have to go to court to enforce your rights
 (and win).
 
 When courts must determine who has right, title and interest
 in a program, judges often struggle with the idea-expression
 dichotomy.  However, modern courts have recognized that software
 consists of four legally significant elements:  (1) source and
 object code;  (2) structure, sequence and organization;  (3)
 function or purpose; and  (4) user interface.  Copyright treats
 each element as an independent work of authorship provided it
 qualifies as an expression rather than an idea.
 
 1.4  INFRINGEMENTS
 
 Suppose you discover that someone is making unauthorized
 copies or your program or is marketing, how can we say, a
 "strikingly similar workalike?"  What can you do?  Once your
 program has been registered, you can file a copyright infringement
 suit in federal court.  The judge can issue an injunction against
 the defendant to cease and desist the infringing activities.  The
 judge can even order the U.S. Marshall to seize the infringing
 materials.  At trial, you can win money damages based on your lost
 business or the defendant's unjust profits.  Or if your damages are
 speculative, you can demand statutory damages of up to $100,000 per
 infringement (if registered at the time of the infringement).
 
 Note that you cannot begin a copyright infringement suit until
 your program is registered.  If you are not registered at the time
 you learn of the infringement, you have to hurry up and do it.
 Fortunately, the Copyright Office can provide expedited handling
 upon special request.  A "Request for Special Handling" (see
 Appendix C) must contain a sworn statement explaining the urgency,
 accompanied by a special fee of $200.00.  If your request is
 granted, the Office will try to process the application within five
 days.
 
 To constitute an infringement, two programs must be
 "substantially similar."  Obviously, this is a subjective standard.
 Therefore, modern courts are using a two-part test to determine
 whether two  computer programs are substantially similar.  First,
 an expert programmer may scrutinize the programs and testify
 whether their sequence, structure and organization have a
 "comprehensive nonliteral similarity."  Second, a judge or jury may
 look at the programs side by side and say whether they have the
 same overall "look and feel."  If both tests are true, there is
 an infringement.
 
 1.5  COPYRIGHT NOTICE
 
 The copyright notice below no longer required, however it is
 still highly recommended.  If the purpose of copyright is to
 protect, why not use this simple device?  Thus, the following words
 should appear prominently in the source code, and on the bootup
 screen, the user manuals, and all other documentation and
 distribution media:
 
 **********************************************************
 *  COPYRIGHT (C) 1990 ABC COMPANY.  ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. *
 **********************************************************
 
 The three parts to the copyright notice are :  (1) the word
 COPYRIGHT or COPR, or the letter (C) in a circle/parentheses;  (2)
 the YEAR of creation or first publication;  and (3) the NAME of the
 copyright owner.  The phrase ALL RIGHTS RESERVED is not absolutely
 necessary, but warns others of your claim to ALL other rights in
 the work, including patents, trademarks, and trade secrets.
 
 ================================================================
 
 CHAPTER 2:  APPLICATION FORM TX
 
 A copyright certificate is to a program like a deed is to
 land.  Both are evidence of ownership and title.  Actually, your
 copyrights existed from the moment you wrote the program.  But to
 perfect your rights you must register with the U.S. Copyright
 Office.  The registration process usually takes about three to six
 months.
 
 The Copyright Office considers computer programs to be
 "writings," therefore we use the same as is required for books and
 other literary works.  Form TX is short for TeXt.  The following
 are all that are required to apply for a copyright:
 
 (1)  One completed Form TX.
 (2)  One copy of the program.
 (3)  The filing fee.
 
 A blank Form TX and other forms are attached in the Appendix.
 You can submit you application on photocopies of these official
 forms, but make sure they are on two-sided paper.  The Appendix
 also contains a sample of a completed Form TX on which a
 Certificate of Copyright Registration was issued.
 
 The Copyright Office has a policy of Single Registration,
 that is, one application per work.  Since a program is rarely one
 giant piece of code, but a system of interdependent parts (such as,
 overlays, drivers, help files, etc.), the question is whether one
 application can cover everything?  YES.  All these parts, including
 user manuals and documentation, are considered a single work for
 registration purposes and can be handled on one application.
 
 The TX form is only two pages long, with 11 numbered spaces
 for providing information.  Each space has multiple lines; some
 have boxes to check.  Throughout this Chapter, the Section
 numbering scheme corresponds to the appropriate space on the TX
 form.  Examples how to complete the spaces are in ALL CAPITAL
 LETTERS or "in quotes."
 
 2.1  SPACE 1 - TITLE
 
 The name or title of your program goes in Space 1, Line 1.
 This should be the full, popular title of your program, including
 version number (if any).  For example: "MICROSOFT QUICKBASIC 4.5"
 or "LOTUS 1-2-3, RELEASE 3.0."  There is no copyright in titles,
 so the program name does not have to be completely original.
 Just be sure not to use someone else's trade name or trademark
 without their permission.
 
 Usually, you can skip the rest of Space 1.  However, if your
 program has another name, give that name in Line 2 of Space 1.  Or
 if your program is part of a collection (such as a sampler disk or
 magazine), give the title of the magazine or sampler in Line 3, and
 state the volume and issue number in Line 4.  For example, "BYTE
 MAGAZINE, JANUARY 1991."
 
 2.2  SPACE 2 - AUTHORSHIP
 
 This is the most important section.  Your answers here must be
 consistent with your answers in Space 4 (Claimant).  Correctly
 identifying authorship involves significant rights and will have a
 major impact on ultimate ownership, use, and transfer of the
 software.  Be sure to read through all of Section 2.2 first.
 
 2.2.1  NAME OF AUTHOR
 
 FOR INDIVIDUALS ==>  If you wrote the program, put your full
 name and birthdate in Line 1 of Space 2(a).  If you wrote the
 software jointly with one or more people with the intention that
 all contributions be merged into a whole, give each person's full
 name and birthdate in Spaces 2(b), 2©, etc. If additional
 spaces are needed, use Form TX/CON in Appendix A.
 
 FOR BUSINESSES ==>  If you are operating as a business and the
 programming was done by you or regular employees of your business,
 then put your company's full legal name as the author in Space
 2(a), Line 1.  Leave the birthdate information blank.  Please be
 sure to read Section 2.2.2 very closely, especially if you had
 any contract programming done.
 
 2.2.2  WORK MADE-FOR-HIRE.  On the left side of Line 2, Space 2,
 there is a check box for a tricky question:  "Was this contribution
 to the work a 'work made for hire'?"  This is a legal term of art.
 A work is made-for-hire if it is (1) prepared by employees within
 the scope of their employment;  or (2) specially ordered or
 commissioned and the parties agree IN WRITING that the work is
 made-for-hire.  The author of a work made-for-hire is generally the
 employer, not the employee.  Just because you paid for it doesn't
 mean it yours.
 
 Work-for-hire situations can arise several ways.  For example,
 a dentist hires a neighbor's kid to write a billing system, or a
 bank hires temporary contract programmers to finish a big project.
 Even if the programmer is given instructions every step of the
 way, there must be a written agreement signed by both parties
 acknowledging the work is made-for-hire.  Otherwise, all or part
 of the copyright belongs to the programmer.
 
 Therefore, if any part of the program was made-for-hire,
 you must check "YES" in the box provided on Line 2 of Space 2, give
 the employer's name as the Author of that part of the work.  Leave
 the space for dates of birth and death blank.
 
 2.2.3  NATIONALITY.  In the middle of Line 2 of Space 2, you must
 give the country where the author is a citizen or is domiciled.
 In most cases, the author of the work will be a U.S. citizen or
 business.  In general, a person is domiciled in the place where he
 or she has a fixed and permanent residence with an intention to
 continue living at that residence for an unlimited time or to
 return to it whenever absent.  If the author is a foreign company,
 give the country where the business is domiciled.
 
 2.2.4  ANONYMITY.  On the right of Space 2, Line 2, you can
 register anonymously.  Anonymous registration is NOT recommended.
 You should just check "NO" to both questions here.  Always check
 with your attorney before checking Anonymous or Pseudonymous.  But
 if you insist on being Anonymous, you can put "ANONYMOUS" for the
 Name of Author in Line 1, or just leave blanks for the Name. If you
 insist, you can give a pseudonym for the Name of Author, provided
 you qualify it with the word "PSEUDONYM" (ex. "BIG JOHN,
 PSEUDONYM"), or you can give your real name plus your pseudonym
 (ex. "WILLIAM GATES, WHOSE PSEUDONYM IS WILD BILL").
 
 2.2.5  NATURE OF AUTHORSHIP.  In Space 2, Line 3, the Copyright
 Office wants a VERY BRIEF description of your work.  Brief Means
 Terse!  Just put "COMPUTER PROGRAM."  If you also want to register
 the documentation, just put "COMPUTER PROGRAM AND DOCUMENTATION."
 Get the picture?  Do not give any more detail than absolutely
 necessary.  Particularly avoid descriptions of program functions,
 screens, design, structure, and the like.  The more detailed you
 get, the more likely the Copyright Office will question your
 application.
 
 2.3  SPACE 3 - DATES
 
 2.3.1  CREATION.  In Space 3(a), put the year the finished program
 was created.  A program is created when it is fixed in some
 permanent tangible form.  This is not to say you cannot change it
 later since each significant version constitutes a copyrightable
 work.  In any event, make sure the creation date is consistent with
 other dates appearing on the application and in the program.
 
 2.3.2  PUBLICATION.  A program is published when it is sold,
 transferred, assigned, licensed, rented, leased, or offered for
 distribution to the public.  If your program has never been
 published, just leave the date and nation information in Space
 3(b) blank.  If your program has been published, then you must
 give the date and nation where it was first published.  The
 approximate date is acceptable if you cannot recall exactly.
 
 2.4  SPACE 4 - CLAIMANT
 
 The claimant is the person or company who is now claiming
 ownership and title in the copyright, or at least part of it.
 Usually, the claimant and the author are the same.  However, the
 claimant may be different when there has been an assignment or some
 other form of transfer from the author originally named in Space 2.
 If that is case, a brief transfer statement must be made (see
 Section 2.4.4).  In pseudocode:
 
 IF SPACE 4 = SPACE 2
 NO TRANSFER STATEMENT REQUIRED
 ELSE
 TRANSFER STATEMENT REQUIRED.
 
 2.4.1  If the claimant is the SAME as the author named in Space
 2, put his or her or its name and address in Space 4, Line 1.
 Obviously, you do not need a transfer statement if there has been
 no transfer.
 
 2.4.2  If the claimant is DIFFERENT from the author named in Space
 2, you need to explain this discrepancy.  Thus, in Space 4, Line 1
 give the claimant's full name and address, and on Line 2 give a
 brief statement how title was transferred (see Section 2.4.4).
 
 2.4.3  If there were joint authors and the claimant is less than
 ALL of the authors, again you will need to explain this.  In Space
 4, Line 1 give this claimant's full name and address, and on Line 2
 give a brief transfer statement how this claimant got title to the
 entire work was obtained (see Section 2.4.4).
 
 2.4.4  TRANSFER STATEMENT.  The transfer statement is a very brief
 explanation how the claimant got ownership.  It is NOT the document
 itself.  Rather, the transfer statement need only be a word or two,
 such as "BY ASSIGNMENT" or "BY WRITTEN AGREEMENT."   Do NOT attach
 the transfer document itself.  However, transfer documents can be
 filed separately with the Copyright Office by sending a letter of
 request and a $10.00 filing fee per document.
 
 2.5  SPACE 5 - PREVIOUS REGISTRATION
 
 Each version or release of a program is a different work.
 If you have registered your program before, check "YES" in the TOP
 box in Space 5, plus check one or more of the next 3 boxes in Space
 5 to explain why another registration is being sought.  Those
 reasons include:
 
 (1)  The program was unpublished when you first registered, and
 you now seek a second registration to cover your first published
 edition.  Check the SECOND box.
 
 (2)  The program was previously registered by somebody else
 (perhaps a co-author), and you now seek registration in your
 name.  Check the THIRD box.
 
 (3)  You revised the program since the first registration, and
 now seek registration on the changed version.  Check the FOURTH
 box AND complete Space 6.
 
 If you checked "YES" to the TOP box, you must give the
 previous registration number and the year of registration on the
 bottom line of Space 5.  If you made more than one registration
 of this program, you need only give the latest registration
 number and year.
 
 2.6  SPACE 6 - DERIVATIVE WORKS or COMPILATIONS
 
 You only need to complete Space 6 if your program is a
 derivative work, a changed version of another work, or a
 compilation of preexisting works (see Sections 1.3 and 2.5 above).
 Derivative or changed works are based upon or derived from one or
 more preexisting works.  A compilation collects or assembles
 preexisting materials from various sources, or extracts and
 reassembles material or data from another source.  You must
 complete Spaces 6a and 6b for derivative or changed works, but
 for compilations you need only complete Space 6b.
 
 2.6.1  PREEXISTING MATERIAL.  Space 6a is for derivative works or
 changed versions only.  Here, briefly describe the preexisting
 material or program you updated, adapted or transformed.  That
 is, identify any preexisting works your program may be based on
 or incorporate.  This may include public domain or government
 material (see examples in Section 2.6.3)
 
 2.6.2  MATERIAL ADDED.  Space 6b is for derivative works and
 compilations.  The Copyright Office wants a BRIEF statement of
 any added material in which you now claim copyright.  If you have
 a derivative or changed work, give a short description what is
 new about this changed version.  Or if you have a compilation,
 start your description with the word "COMPILATION," then summarize
 briefly your efforts in creating this work.
 
 2.6.3  EXAMPLES.  Examples of how you might complete Spaces 6a and
 6b for derivative works and/or compilations are set forth below:
 
 (1)  For a derivative work, such as WordPerfect 5.1 -
 6a - "WordPerfect 5.0"
 6b - "Additional features and text"
 
 (2)  For a compilation, such as the PC Mag Utilities Disk -
 6a - (leave blank)
 6b - "Compilation of DOS utilities and text"
 
 (3)  For a derivative work AND compilation, such as a
 program incorporating public domain material -
 6a - "Standard file compression routines"
 6b - "Additional programming and text"
 
 2.7  SPACE 7 - (DELETED)
 
 In the past, Space 7 was used for manufacturing provisions,
 but it is no longer required.  The new TX forms have deleted this
 space.  If you happen to have an old TX form, just leave Space 7
 blank.
 
 2.8  SPACE 8 - REPRODUCTION FOR BLIND OR HANDICAPPED
 
 The Library of Congress reproduces and distributes some
 works for use by blind or physically handicapped individuals.  If
 you wish to grant the Library of Congress a limited right to copy
 and distribute your work solely for the blind or handicapped,
 check Box 8b and sign your name.  You can always terminate this
 license upon 90 days notice.
 
 2.9  SPACE 9 - CORRESPONDENCE FROM OFFICE
 
 Skip the first half of Space 9, DEPOSIT ACCOUNT, unless of
 course you have a charge account with the Copyright Office )if
 that is the case, why do you need this booklet?)
 
 However, the second half of Space 9 is very important in case
 the Copyright Examiner needs to contact you.  Give your name
 (or person most suited to answer questions), an address and
 daytime telephone number  Often a simple phone call from the
 Examiner can straighten out the problem.
 
 2.10  SPACE 10 - SIGNATURE AND CERTIFICATION
 
 Finally, you get to sign the application in Space 10.  In the
 top part of Space 10, check one of the boxes indicating your
 status as the:  (a) author;  (b) other copyright claimant;  ©
 owner of exclusive rights;  or (d) authorized agent of a, b or c.
 
 On the middle line of Space 10, type or print your name and
 the date you signed the application.  Make sure that if you
 listed the work as published in Space 3, the date signed is later
 than the date published.
 
 Put your signature on the bottom line of Space 10, where the
 finger is pointing.  By signing the application, you are certifying
 that everything is true and accurate to the best of your knowledge.
 The TX form warns that any false representation of a material fact
 in an application for copyright or in any written statement filed
 in connection with it SHALL be fined up to $2,500.
 
 2.11  SPACE 11 - MAIL CERTIFICATE TO
 
 In Space 11, give the name and full mailing address where
 you want the Certificate of Copyright Registration mailed. Usually,
 this is the same address you have used time after time herein.  If
 you need to, you can have the certificate mailed to somebody else.
 
 ================================================================
 
 CHAPTER 3:  FINAL STEPS
 
 3.1  FILING FEE
 
 The required filing fee for each application is $10.00 until
 January 2, 1991.  Beginning January 3, 1991, the filing fee is
 $20.00 per work.  This fee is non-refundable.  You can make your
 check or money order payable to the "Register of Copyrights."
 
 3.2  DEPOSIT REQUIREMENTS
 
 The Copyright Office requires that you deposit with the
 Library of Congress a "best edition" of your work.  In most
 cases, the best edition of a computer program is its source code.
 You do not have to deposit the entire source code listing.
 
 The source code may be deposited in any form visually
 perceptible without the aid of a machine or device, on paper or
 microform, preferably showing the copyright notice.  Filing on
 floppy disks and magnetic media are under consideration, but are
 not required at the time of this writing.  The following deposit
 options are regularly available:
 
 (1)  The first 25 and last 25 pages of source code.
 
 (2)  If you have multiple programs, the first 25 pages from the
 first program and the last 25 pages from the last program.
 
 (3)  If you have a revised version, and no changes or additions
 are contained in the first 25 and last 25 pages, you can send any
 50 representative pages of the revised material.
 
 However, if you absolutely refuse to disclose ANY of your
 source code, special deposit procedures are available and explained
 in the following Section.
 
 3.2.1  SPECIAL RELIEF AND TRADE SECRETS.  Since Copyright Office
 records are open to the public, trade secrets could be lost if you
 deposit a significant portion of your source code.  Recognizing
 this possibility, the Copyright Office provides for special relief
 from the above deposit options.  Just write a letter to the Chief
 Examiner requesting special relief, and the following deposit
 options are available:
 
 (1)  The first 25 and last 25 pages of source code with up to
 50% blocked out.  The blocked-out portions must be proportionately
 less than the material remaining.  Some people photocopy the source
 code through a clear plastic sheet with masking tape blocking out
 half the sheet.
 
 (2)  The first and last 10 pages of source code with NO blocked
 out portions.
 
 (3)  The first and last 25 pages of object code, plus any 10 or
 more consecutive pages of source code with NO blocked-out portions.
 
 3.2.2  OBJECT CODE AND RULE OF DOUBT.  As mentioned before, in
 rare cases you may deposit object code.  Deposits of object code
 are subject to the Copyright Office's "Rule of Doubt."  This
 means that the Copyright Office has accepted the deposit material
 for filing purposes without making any independent determination of
 its copyrightability.
 
 3.2.3  COMPUTER SCREEN DISPLAYS.  Computer programs and screen
 displays should be registered as a single work.   All copyrightable
 expression owned by the same claimant and embodied in a computer
 program, or first published as a unit with a computer program,
 including computer screen displays, is considered a single work
 and should be registered on a single application form.
 
 There is no need to refer to screen displays on the TX
 application.  However, once you mention screens or other audio-
 visual whistles and bells, you must send copies of screens,
 printouts, photographs, drawings, or VHS and the Copyright Examiner
 will be forced to make a judgment call on each screen.  Deposit of
 screen displays is disfavored by the Copyright Office and will
 drastically slow down the application process.
 
 3.3  MAILING
 
 Pack up your application form, the deposit material, and the
 filing fee, and address the whole package to:
 
 Register of Copyrights
 Library of Congress
 Washington D.C.  20559
 
 Regular U.S. mail is fine, certified or registered delivery
 is not necessary.  However, it is a good idea to send include a
 cover letter listing the contents of your package.  It also helps
 to include a self-addressed postcard for the Copyright Office
 mailroom to date-stamp and return to you acknowledging receipt
 (see Appendix).  On the postcard, list everything sent in the
 package.
 
 3.4  OFFICE ACTION
 
 Processing by the Copyright Office usually takes about three
 to six months.  If the Examiner has any questions, you will receive
 a letter or phone call.  Communications are quite informal, but you
 do need to reply to Office actions no later than six months.
 Hopefully, the only thing you will receive is a big brown U.S.
 government envelope containing your Certificate of Copyright
 Registration.
 
 3.5  ABOUT THE AUTHOR
 
 Beach A. Craigmyle is a lawyer in Louisville, Kentucky.  He
 is a former programmer/analyst, information systems auditor, and
 consultant.  He concentrates his legal practice in the areas of
 computer law and intellectual property.  His office address is:
 2500 Brown & Williamson Tower, Louisville, Kentucky 40202, phone
 (502) 584-1135, FAX (502) 561-0442.  He may also be reached
 through the BBS Support (502) 561-0742 (SYSOP), GEnie
 (B.CRAIGMYLE), and on CompuServe (72426,2567)
 
 ================================================================
 
 APPENDIX
 
 The documents included in the appendixes below could not be
 attached to the disk version of this booklet because they are
 typeset.  Basically, they look like any other government document
 with lots of lines, boxes, and fine print.
 
 ================================================================
 APPENDIX A
 Blank Forms TX and TX/CON
 ================================================================
 APPENDIX B
 Example TX Form Completed
 Certificate of Copyright Registration
 ================================================================
 APPENDIX C
 Request for Special Handling
 ================================================================
 APPENDIX D
 Correspondence with Copyright Office
 1.  Transmittal letter
 2.  Request for Special Relief
 
 ================================================================
 
 INDEX
 References are to Sections and to Appendixes.
 
 Abridgements, 2.6
 Additions, 1.2, 2.6.2
 Anonymity, 2.2.4
 Assignment, 2.4.4
 Authorship, 2.2.5
 BBS support, 3.5
 Birthdate, 2.2.1
 Blind or handicapped, 2.8
 Business name, 2.2.1
 Certificate, 1.3, 2.11, Appx B
 Claimant, 2.4, 2.2
 Coauthor, see Joint
 Collection, 2.1
 Compilations, 1.2, 2.6
 Copying, 1.3, 1.4
 Correspondence, 3.3
 Courts, 1.3, 1.4
 Creation, 1.5, 2.3.1
 Damages, 1.4
 Dates, 1.4, 2.3
 Deposit material, 3.2
 Derivative works, 1.2, 2.6
 Documentation, 1.2, 3.2
 Domicile, 2.2.3
 Employment, 2.2.2, 2.4
 Expedited handling, 1.4
 Expressions, 1.1, 1.2
 Fees 2.0, 1.4
 Help, 3.5
 Ideas 1.1, 1.2
 Infringement 1.4
 Injunction, 1.3
 Joint authors, 2.2, 2.4.3, 2.5
 Judgment, 1.4
 Mailing address, 2.9, 2.11, 3.3
 Merger doctrine, 1.2
 Microcode, 1.2
 Nationality, 2.2.3
 Notice, 1.5
 Object code, 1.2, 3.2.2
 Patents, Intro, 1.5
 Preexisting material, 2.6
 Previous registration, 2.5
 Pseudonym, 2.2.4
 Public domain, 1.2, 2.6.3
 Publication, 2.3.2, 2.5, 2.10
 Rights, 1.3, 1.2
 Rule of doubt, 3.2.2
 Screen displays, 1.2, 3.2.3
 Signature, 2.10
 Similarity, 1.4
 Source code, 1.2, 3.2, 3.2.1
 Special handling, 1.4, Appx C
 Special relief, 3.2.1, Appx D
 Titles, 2.1, 2.5
 Trade Secrets, 1.5, 3.2.1
 Trademarks, Intro, 1.5, 2.1
 Transfer statement, 2.4, 2.4.4
 Translations, 1.2, 2.6
 TX Form, 2.0, Appx A
 User interface, 1.1, 1.3
 User manual, 1.2, 3.2
 Work for hire, 2.2, 2.2.2
 Written agreement, 2.2.2, 2.4.4
 
 =========================[ END ]================================X-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=--=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-X
 |   |  
								|  | To the best of our knowledge, the text on this page may be freely reproduced and distributed.
 If you have any questions about this, please check out our Copyright Policy.
 
 
  totse.com certificate signatures
 
 
 |  |  
								|  | About | Advertise | Bad Ideas | Community | Contact Us | Copyright Policy | Drugs | Ego | Erotica FAQ | Fringe | Link to totse.com | Search | Society | Submissions | Technology
 |  |  
								|  |  |  |  |