get Copyright for my program

How can I register my program?

[Majid]

Hello,

I wrote a PHP script from base and now I want to sell in internet, how can I register my program so that no one can't use this program without my permission, if they do I can complaint to data center ?! like vBulletin.

Regards,

[brotherhood of LAN]

copyright generally exists and it's a case of you having proof that the work is your creation.

The easiest way has typically been to post the information to yourself under recorded delivery, where the date has been recorded. There are also a number of services online that can provide a similar service where they will store/record your work and it's date of creation for a fee.

[purplecape]

Any original work has some copyright protection, but you gain additional power to protect your copyright if you register it with the appropriate authority. In the US, you would copyright your program with the Copyright Office--software can be copyrighted just as books or movies can be.

If you are not in the US, research the process for applying for copyright in your country.

[Syzygy]

...if you register it with the appropriate authority.

The USA has a copyright registration process. Many other countries do not. In the UK, (and as a generalisation) the weight of the law is presumed to be with the copyright owner and it is down to the 'other side' to prove otherwise.

Do note though, that this generalisation would just be the start of what is very likely a very complex legal process.

Sorry to say that notions like...

...post the information to yourself under recorded delivery, where the date has been recorded.

...need to be throttled at birth.

Based on the spelling used, the OP will be seeking advice on law in the USA. If so, the forum library contains many threads archived for their insightful comments and links to external resources. Good huntin'

Syzygy

[Majid]

Thanks for your replies.
I live in UAE (Dubai), can I register my program in USA from here ?

Regards

[brotherhood of LAN]

...post the information to yourself under recorded delivery, where the date has been recorded.

...need to be throttled at birth.

Poor man's copyright [en.wikipedia.org] as it's sometimes known seems to be effective enough 'proof', or at least one form of proof.

Do note though, that this generalisation would just be the start of what is very likely a very complex legal process.

Totally agree

[Habtom]

Majid,

There are a few ways to register an 'intellectual property' here in Dubai. A govt sponsored ad has been running for quite some time now encouraging people to register anything which can be protected that way. Google it and you will see some relevant consultancy governmental agencies.

[tomcam]

Poor man's copyright is an urban legend. Do not rely on it.