Copyright Website

What verbage is good to use?

[fmmk]

Can anyone give me some verbage to use for my website besides copyrighted and the date?
I wondered if it is necessary to write something to the effect of "All material contained on this website may not be reproduced...."
I don't really have the correct verbage nor did I want to contact a lawyer to get one.
Wondering if there is a phrase common to all that most of you use to protect?
Thanks.

[Gibble]

First, I am not a lawyer but...

Technically you don't need to put anything done, it's automatically copryrighted, it's your own work, and thus any copying is theft, irregardless of wether you put a copyright message on the page or not.

[rogerd]

The notice at the bottom of this page is perhaps as good as any - nice and brief, but clear. It isn't technically required to insert a copyright notice, but it's a good practice IMO. If you really wanted to, you could also add language about written permission being required for any reproduction to avoid, "I talked to someone and they said I could reprint this." If you have any non-standard content (e.g., a forum, a blog, etc.) to which others contribute, you should also have a TOS which clarifies what rights you claim for contributed content.

When in doubt, check sites that can afford expensive attorneys and see what they do. Be aware, of course, that doing so isn't a substitute for having your own attorney who knows your business, your regional laws, etc.

[fmmk]

Thank you--that helps!

[jdMorgan]

I also like to add <meta name="copyright" content="Entire site contents Copyright (C) 1999-2004 by [company]. Registered with U.S. Library of Congress Copyright Office. We vigorously defend our copyright."> to the head of each page.

That, $30, and a CD sent in the mail is a very good idea if your site is worth anything. If accepted within 3 months of publication, it also entitles you to statutory damages as well as actual damages if your copyright is infringed, as well as serving as fairly absolute proof of originality.

According to the U.S. Copyright Office [copyright.gov], registration is required before an infringement suit may be brought in a U.S. court for works of U.S. origin.

Jim

[choster]

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