[RESOLVED] Copyright on webdesign - HTML Forums

stevenoi · 07-09-2009, 10:48 AM

How do you get a copyright on your webdesign/website? Or do you just put "copyright 2009" at the bottom. I coudln't find anything on google.

I want a copyright on my layouts because I want to sell layouts, but I don't want people to steal them.

¥åßßå · 07-09-2009, 12:29 PM

In some countries you get copyright just by uploading, dunno if that applies to all countries.

Reality is though, the only way to stop people stealing your webdesign/sites is to never code them

¥

Horus_Kol · 07-09-2009, 07:35 PM

Most places, copyright is inherent in creation - you make an original design or create original content, and you own the copyright (unless you're doing it under contract - then your contract decides who owns the rights).

Having "copyright 2009" (or, best, "© 2009" according to UK IP lawyers I've read) is simply an assertion of the copyright that is already there.

As Yabba says - if someone wants to steal your code/design/content, assertion of copyright won't stop them...

However, being able to prove your copyright ownership means that you could sue them for copyright theft and incurred loss of business...

Another step to help you on that front - print a copy or burn a CD of the design/code/content and mail it to yourself. Do not open the envelope. The postage stamp will be dated, and presenting this unopened envelope will support your case if you need to go to court.
Also - keeping hold of previous revisions and/or keeping component elements separate will also show that you created that work.

Still - going to court isn't cheap - and should only be done if you really have lost out on someone thieving your design - otherwise, brush it off, move on, and keep your effort on your new work.

stevenoi · 07-10-2009, 03:16 AM

amatocianmonk · 07-10-2009, 03:46 AM

Just making it is enough to protect it, anytime you make anything (unique and original), it is covered by an intellectual property law, immediately.

But you shouldn't worry. I doubt a situation will arrise where you will want to sue someone for taking your site design. Its expensive.

I wouldnt worry about people stealing your layouts

stevenoi · 07-10-2009, 06:09 AM

Ok, thanks to all!

Horus_Kol · 07-11-2009, 02:19 AM

i wouldn't worry 'too much' about people stealing your designs...

but, I have read of cases where someone was being ripped off - and then was being accused of being the ripper... of course, his having the original works and components of said designs and having a tidy filing system helped make it obvious that the claims against him were false.

and, yeah, in most countries - creation of original design/content means that you are automatically the owner and are afforded copyright of that content - as for 'protection' - its all self-policing, unfortunately (as in, you have to find the copyright theft, and start the processes yourself).