Ok, suppose I have a game coded entirely by myself. If I want to sell it (to a publisher, or by myself, or whatever) I'm supposed to copyright it and get a commercial licence, right ? Right. So I called up the copyright office in my country and they said that I cannot copywrite some software unless I am a company... And here comes the question: are there any other ways of copyrighting a software and getting a comercial license (as an individual) ? Is there some international copyright office or smth like that ? thanks

Whenever you create something, it is already copyrighted in your name. Just place the "Copyright © 2004, Name Here" where "Name Here" is your company name or your real name.

As for getting a commercial licence, I've never heard of that one. You don't need any licence to sell something by yourself as far as I know. Giving something to a publisher, you might want to get a company name for yourself though.

I have never heard of any country where it was necessary to be a company to register a copyright. Most artists/writers/song writers etc aren't companies and yet they have copyrights registered all the time. I think there must have been some misunderstanding.

If this is the case then you need to talk to a local lawyer.

Sam Gamgee:
are you sure that this is true ? it sounds too good to be true to me... so I just put a "(C) Copyright 2004 my name here" on my applications and I'm ok to sell ? No official contracts, documents and stuff ? this is what you did with the software you sell on your site ?

suppose someone tries to resell your game(s), or reverse-engineer. you can sue them just because you wrote your copyright on your application ?

thanks for the answers and good luck

Sam is right about the copyright, just add that line to your program and you'll be fine. As for selling your program, you will have to become a registered business, as you will have to pay taxes on your product. Don't try and avoid this, if they find out you will be screwed over for a LOT of money. The best thing to do is speak to your local bank, or a lawyor.

Quote: this is what you did with the software you sell on your site ?

Yes, that's what I did for my software. Before releasing anything, I also asked around about the copyright issues, and that's what most people do.

Quote: you will have to become a registered business

I'm not a lawyer, but I've never heard of this being a requirement. As long as you pay the income taxes on a product that makes over a certain amount (forgot what it is), you're fine. Although filling out a "Doing Buisness As" is on average only $20, so it's not very much trouble at all.

EDIT: I have no idea how to handle sales taxes though, so maybe for that you need to do some more registration. I've been using companies like Regsoft an Handango to distribute my products so I don't have to deal with that.

Quote: Original post by hapciu
Sam Gamgee:
are you sure that this is true ? it sounds too good to be true to me... so I just put a "(C) Copyright 2004 my name here" on my applications and I'm ok to sell ?

Yes, this is correct. In fact you don't even have to do this (but it is wise). Copyright just exists as soon as you make something, no registration is required.

But (there is always a "but") there are three important points to remember.
i. In some countries (such as the USA) registering copyright with an official government agency provides additional protection - you can sue for different things and stand to gain more.
ii. Copyright protection is worthless unless you have the money to sue someone. Lawyers that specialise in IP law charge a lot. If you don't have lots of cash you are unlikely to be able to protect your copyright.
iii. If you are just starting out it isn't worth worrying about. No one is going to steal a game that people haven't heard of and, unless you have cash for a lawyer you can't do much if they do, so just focus on more important issues. How will you sell the game, how will you market it etc etc.

Quote: Original post by Mosh
As for selling your program, you will have to become a registered business, as you will have to pay taxes on your product.

This is incorrect (at least in most countries). Individuals can conduct business and sell things provided that they account for the income to the tax man. Registering as a company offers various benefits/disadvantages and you should talk to an accountant to find out what they are before deciding if you want to stay as a freelance individual or register a company.

Quote: Original post by hapciu
So I called up the copyright office in my country

What country?

Obscure:
Your details are as clear as can be :) Yes, of course I'm only starting, and of course I won't even try to sue anyone. All I want is to get MY name on MY software (for advertisement if nothing else) and maybe to scare a bit potential thieves :).
Also I used to own a small company (lasted for only a few projects), but I don't want another experience like that. Not for a small-time game.
So this solution is best for me (just writing the (C) on my game).

Sam Gamgee:
I also plan to sell through some e-commerce service like Regsoft or ShareIt or Element5. So, not only that my copyright problem is solved, but also my tax problem ? if i sell like this I don't have to worry about any tax problems ?
ps: if i'm not indiscrete - did you make your expectations with your sold software ?

thanks for your answers. feels like you lifted a rock from my chest :)

Quote: Original post by hapciu
Obscure:
Also I used to own a small company (lasted for only a few projects), but I don't want another experience like that. Not for a small-time game.
So this solution is best for me (just writing the (C) on my game).

Yes, stick to selling as an individual, it is easier. Register a company if you become successful. In either case you need to pay tax - best to talk to an accountant.

If you trade as an individual then just put your name in the copyright message "Copyright 2004 [yourname]. All rights reserved."

Hope it goes well.