These messages were extracted from a recent conversation in the CompuServe
SHAREWARE forum.  They describe procedures on how to copyright programs.

Some replies may have been deleted if they were deemed irrelevant to the main
thrust of the conversation.  Other than that, no editing is performed on the
messages you see here.  Most opinions are of a personal nature and they might
not reflect the official views of the Association of Shareware Professionals.
(However, some members in the ASP can and do speak in an official capacity.)

Uploaded by Rob Rosenberger, SHAREWARE forum ASP sysop, 29 APR 90.

=============================================

#: 79515 S8/Shareware Issues
    20-Apr-90  14:32:36
Sb: #Copyrighting
Fm: David Meltzer 72477,554
To: All

Where can I get information regarding copyrighting software?
                                     David

#: 79523 S8/Shareware Issues
    20-Apr-90  16:12:15
Sb: #79515-Copyrighting
Fm: George Abbott [PDS*WARE] 72617,1266
To: David Meltzer 72477,554

David,

Start by calling 202-707-9100 and tell the answering machine that you want 5
copies of FORM TX and 1 copy each of Circular R61, Circular R1.  They will
send you the requested forms.

You will end up filling out 1 copy of Form TX and sending it and $10 to the
Register of Copyrights, Library Of Congress, Washington DC 20559.  You will
need to include 1 copy of your source code and 1 copy of your documentation.
Then, wait about 3 months to get it back.  The effective date is the day they
receive it.

Technically, only the first 25 pages and the last 25 pages of the source code
need be sent.  I have been told that folks like Ashton-Tate and Lotus
International seem to have (by wild coincidence) 25 pages of remarks likes at
both the front and end of their source code.  I haven't played those games
myself.

This sounds REAL easy because it IS REAL easy.

Please note that (C) or (c) is worthless.  You must use the word Copyright.
Few printers and no computer screens support the full circle with the C inside
(which is accepted) and so you will need to use "Copyright". Technically, you
can also use "Copr", but who is going to recognize that besides you and the
Copyright Office {grin}.

George

#: 79554 S8/Shareware Issues
    20-Apr-90  21:21:04
Sb: #79523-#Copyrighting
Fm: David Meltzer 72477,554
To: George Abbott [PDS*WARE] 72617,1266 (X)

Once they get it, anybody can see the source code submitted? Is this source
code in the original form made, a hex printout of the compiled file, or could
I disassemble a compiled to .asm format (hard to understand if I don't bother
to fill in 50 pages of comments. David

#: 79569 S8/Shareware Issues
    21-Apr-90  06:00:19
Sb: #79554-Copyrighting
Fm: George Abbott [PDS*WARE] 72617,1266
To: David Meltzer 72477,554

David,

I think that when you get the 2 Circulars, you will find that you have several
options in this area.  I listed the simplest.

George

#: 79583 S8/Shareware Issues
    21-Apr-90  12:20:40
Sb: #79515-Copyrighting
Fm: Pete Maclean 75776,660
To: David Meltzer 72477,554

George Abbott's excellent response may be all the information you need but I'd
like to note that there is a book on the subject called How To Copyright
Software.  It's by M.J. Salone and published by Nolo Press at $34.95.  Be sure
to get the third edition.

Pete