How to Find a Software Copyright

Software programs are protected by copyright.

Software products are covered by copyright law in just the same way a written work, photograph or musical composition is protected. In other words, computer programs are considered creative works for the purpose of copyright protection. Software designers are not required to register their programs with the copyright office, but most major software manufacturers opt to do so voluntarily. Searching for copyright registrations online is straightforward.

Instructions

Online

1. Compile the details of the software program for which you want to find copyright information. Find the name of the program and the name of program's publisher. It's also helpful to know the date the software was published or a general idea of the timing of publication.

2. Visit the "Public Catalog" search page of the U.S. Copyright Office (see Resources).

3. Try a simple search by entering the name of the software and clicking "Begin Search."

4. View the search results to see if the software you are interested in is listed. You can use the pull-down menus to change the number of results that are displayed and change the display order.

5. Click the "Set Search Limits" on the right side of the search results page to fine-tune your results. For example, you can restrict search results to "Item Type: Computer Program." This will eliminate other materials, such as books or videos describing how to use the particular program.

6. Try a more advanced search if no results are found. Select "Name" from the pull-down menu on the main search page to search using the publisher's name, or select "Keyword" to search using a combination of software title and publisher's name.

7. Click on the program name to display a full copyright record for the software.

8. Find a copyright statement directly on the software itself, if you have the software already and do not need a full record. Look on the software disk, on its packaging and on any manuals or other printed materials.

   A copyright statement usually has three elements: a copyright symbol (a "C" in a circle), the copyright holder's name and the date of copyright. It is usually placed on the bottom, front or back of the item. It may also be in the inside front cover. The software's EULA (end user license agreement) may also contain a copyright statement.

Tips & Warnings

• Software may or may not be registered with the Copyright Office. However, the absence of registration does not mean the software is not protected by copyright. Similarly, the absence of a copyright statement on the software itself does not mean the software is not copyright-protected.

References

• U.S. Copyright Office: Copyright Registration for Computer Programs

Resources

• U.S. Copyright Office: Public Catalog Search