Let's know about the computer software copyrights in detail's
What Is Software Copyright?
Software copyright is the legal protection for code meant to be read by a machine. It is used by software developers and owners to keep people from copying their intellectual property without permission or from using it in any way they haven’t agreed to.
When protecting software, the first question should be: is software trademarked or copyrighted? The answer begins with a basic overview of copyright law. This area of law covers intellectual property – when the idea is the product. For example, the copyright for a book is about the words, not about the paper, ink, and binding. A patent, on the other hand, is for an idea that needs to be manufactured to have value and a trademark is for something that represents a brand, but isn’t the product itself. Of course, software is a relatively recent concept and which category it belonged in wasn’t immediately clear.
Understanding Copyright Software Licensing
You’ve protected your software from being stolen, but you still want it to be used and shared. That’s where copyright software licensing comes in. Licensing is the way you allow your software to be used without copyright violations. The exception is software in the public domain. A developer can choose to leave their software un-copyrighted completely and open to the public.
Public domain shouldn’t be confused with open-source or private unlicensed software. These categories do have software copyrights but can still be free to use. Depending on the particular type of open-source license, they may include restrictions on how the code can be modified, credited, or put to work.
In most cases though, when we talk about copyright software licenses, we’re referring to proprietary software and paid licensing. For these software copyright examples, there are a wide variety of licensing models based on number of users, temporary subscriptions, consumption, and more.
If you’re offering your software for sale, the copyright is automatic. But you’ll still be left with software copyright issues like where to mark the copyright and how to license it. This decision depends on your business model, how the software is used, the kind of security it needs, and more.
How to Get a Software Copyright
Copyright issues for software developers aren’t as simple as they seem. The simple part: in the US at least, published software is automatically copyrighted. You can slap the © symbol on your software and it’s officially illegal to copy it. However, you won’t be able to prosecute anyone until you’ve done the work to register the copyright.
The copyright registration process works differently around the world. For example, in the US it involves a single form. Most of the requested information is straightforward: the software’s title and author, publication date, who will own the copyright, and contact information.
Since software often includes audio files, images, or text from other sources, you’ll be asked to specify what exactly the copyright includes and to list the elements that have been licensed from other places. Then you’ll have to choose a category. In most cases, software is registered as a literary work, since it’s technically written in letters and numbers, but you can also choose visual arts or even performing arts if you feel like images or animation are primary in your product.
Preventing Piracy and Fighting Infringement
Software copyright infringement examples include everything from a customer making extra copies so they can work from their home computer to pirates altering the software and selling it to the public. Having the copyright can help deter some of these problems but several other solutions can also work to prevent them and to help catch and prosecute violations.
Customer Service
Making it easy to buy your software, renew subscriptions, and update accounts can be enough to prevent the majority of unauthorized use of your software. Setting pricing models and packages that fit your customers’ budgets and the way they use your software can also make a difference. Most people are happy to pay for what they use, they just don’t want to pay for a lot of copies or features they don’t use and they don’t want to have to chase you down to do it.
Keep the Code Secret
The first step here is making sure your employees know some basic rules. Limit who can access the code and give those people an overview of confidentiality protocols. The more technical aspect of this is ensuring that all your data is encrypted so that even if it gets out, it can’t be used.
Redundant Code
Some companies include small unnecessary components into their code. If someone is copying your code, the redundant code makes it easy to prove that a copyright violation has taken place.
Licensing Management Solutions
Licensing management helps you and your customers keep track of how many copies are licensed and with what type of subscriptions. In most cases, licensing management software, including Thales Sentinel solutions, will also help you use protection keys. These are codes that are kept separate from the software but required in order to access it. These can be stored on USBs, as downloadable software, or in the Cloud where they can be retrieved when the software is in use and then returned to the remote server.
Protecting Your Software Copyright with Thales Sentinel Solutions
No matter how you choose to protect your software copyright, Thales Sentinel can help. Learn more about how customizable license management, protection keys, and software security solutions help protect your software IP.
Can Computer Software Be Copyrighted?
- A computer programme, also known as software or software source code, is simply a collection of instructions given to the computer to bring out the desired output
- The process of instructing the computer involves the usage of language, therefore the work of computer software, program falls under the category of literary work and can be protected under the copyright software act, 1957
- Additionally, the Act also includes work of graphics, sounds used in software, and algorithms in programming. Moreover, they do not have source code, anyone can copy the work. Hence graphics, sounds, and algorithms also need copyright protection.
- Computer software can be copyrighted just like any other creative work.
Copyright Application Computer Program
You can fill out an application on the VakilSearch website. We make copyright software simple for you. We also offer the most affordable prices in the market.
- We do a thorough check of the files/documents you send to us
- We then prepare the application and file the forms
- We’ll keep you up-to-date with all information passed on by the government Cinematograph Films Copyright office and help you at every stage.
Process of Offline Application – Copyright Protection Computer Program
- The applicant is required to submit the copyright application form along with copies of a few documents
- Additionally, the application form is available on the official website – http://copyright.gov.in/ to download
- After furnishing the form, you need to send it along with the documents and DD/IPO of the processing fees to the below-mentioned address:
Documents Required
- Two copies of the computer program/software developed
- DD/ IPO of processing fees per program
- Additionally, a NOC from programmer/developer if the applicant is other than the programmer
- Further, duly signed (by applicant) and accepted (by an attorney) Power of Attorney, if the applicant is processing with the help of an attorney.
How Auriga can help you to get you software copyright registered?
Here’s how Auriga Accounting Private Limited can indirectly assist you in getting your software copyright registered:
Understanding Copyrightable Material: Auriga’s experienced software developers can help you understand what aspects of your software are copyrightable. Copyright protection does not extend to ideas, methods, or systems, but rather to the way these ideas are expressed in the software.
Originality and Creativity: Auriga Accounting can assist in ensuring that your software is original and creative, which are fundamental requirements for copyright protection. They can help in creating unique algorithms, interfaces, and functionalities that enhance the originality of your software.
Documentation: Proper documentation of the software development process is vital when registering for copyright. Auriga Accounting can provide detailed documentation regarding the design, development process, and code of your software, which is essential for copyright registration.
Quality Assurance: Auriga Accounting can conduct rigorous testing and quality assurance processes to ensure that your software functions properly and meets the desired specifications. A well-functioning and high-quality software strengthens your case for copyright protection.
Legal Consultation: While Auriga Accounting may not provide legal advice, they can collaborate with legal experts who specialize in intellectual property law. These legal professionals can guide you through the copyright registration process and ensure that all necessary documents are in order.
Maintenance and Updates: Auriga Accounting can assist in maintaining and updating your software, ensuring that it continues to meet industry standards and remains competitive. Regular updates and improvements can help demonstrate ongoing creativity and innovation, reinforcing your software’s eligibility for copyright protection.
Remember that while Auriga Accounting Private Limited can support you in these aspects, you should also consult with Our qualified intellectual copyright expert to navigate the legal intricacies of copyright registration. We can provide tailored advice and assistance based on your specific software and its unique features.
