How do copyrights work? I got this project...

I'm working on this small txt based php game and I have no clue how copyrights work exactly... So I was wondering where do you register a name, and if I dont register the name how can I put copyrights on my sources?

And what would be the big text I should put in my copyright page?

You own the copyright from the moment you create your work. No registration is necessary, but if you register it with the U.S. copyright office, you get somewhat greater legal protections -- the ability to collect triple damages from a copyright violation, for example.

The wording "Copyright (or the © symbol) 2005, Joe Blow, all rights reserved" is the recommended wording -- but even that isn't legally required -- you own the copyright from the moment you create the work.

It depends on your country.

In the USA you can check out http://www.copyright.gov/
In Canada you can check out http://cipo.gc.ca/

Both of these offices charge a similar fee to have your work copywritten and stored in their offices


Another, cheaper, but less secure way of proving copyright ownership is to send yourself registered mail containing your material. In the case of a game you would want to send yourself a copy of the source code, game rules, a copy of the interface, and a synopsis of the game.

Registered mail is anything sent through a courier that requires a signature on arrival.

This then tracks the time/date the package was sent, and received. Any material inside the envelope will now have a copyright date of when you received it.

If you go with the second route, DO NOT open the envelope when you receive it. Put it in a secure place.

In the event that you need to prove copyright ownership, you would need the materials intact.



I have done this occasionally for source code I do.


If you choose not to copyright at all, then you may come across the "Its your word against whoever stole your code" and whoever has the best proof wins

Hope this helps!



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This is also known as the "Poor Man's Copyright" and it is next to worthless. If you need real registered copyright protection, do yourself a favor and get it!