copyright notice

[kadie at uiucdcs.CS.UIUC.EDU]

> Incidentally, Americans should note that if you put a copyright notice
> on something you are legally obligated to send a copy to the Library of
> Congress *whether or not you choose to register your copyright claim*!
> If you elect not to register, you need not send any fee, just the work
> itself.  (This does wonders for the L of C acqusitions budget.)  People
> choosing to assert copyright in other countries should check their
> domestic laws.
> 
> Usual disclaimer:  I'm not a lawyer, but I have a long-standing interest
> in copyright law.

I believe this is incorrect.

The Copyright Office's R1 circular says on page 5:

  "           HOW TO SECURE A COPYRIGHT
   Copyright Secured Automatically Upon Creation

   The way in which copyright protection is secured under
   the present law is frequently misunderstood. No publication
   or registration or other action in the Copyright Office is 
   required to secure copyright under the present law, unlike
   the previous law, which required either publication with the
   copyright notice or registration in the Copyright Office....  

   Under the prsent law, copyright is secure automatically
                                             -------------
   when the work is created, and a work is 'created' when it is
   fixed in a copy or phonorecord for the first time."

For more information write:

   Information & Publication Section
   LM-455
   Copyright Office
   Library of Congress
   Washington, D.C. 20559  

And ask for information about or regestration forms for computer software.

Or call (202) 287-9100 and leave recorded request.
Or call (202) 287-8700 during business hours for information.

-----------------
Carl M. Kadie  - U. of Illinois



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