Copyright and Websites

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  nikey2k27 on 03/12/2012 - 20:58

  it dose not real do anythink at all just like artist sign there artwork.

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  retiredfeline on 03/12/2012 - 21:06

  If the layout is non-novel and determined by the function, e.g. three column layout, or tab headers, those won't be covered by copyright, well design actually. What can be covered by copyright is the content, the wording and the graphics. So make sure you have the right to use any text, pictures or logos that appear. You would presumably write the text, hire an artist to make any logos, assigning ownership to you, and if you use any photos, make sure they are your own or freely usable. Oh and you should also have the right to use any annoying music you put on the site.

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  robotdad on 03/12/2012 - 21:23

  greenpossum is on the mark (you some sort of Lawyer/Attorney greenpossum?(I'm Pat. & TM)).
  Copyright protects the text, and to a small degree, the arrangement/compilation (such as that found in a phone book or train timetables).

  While it is nice to put 'copyright 2012' you don't really have to as the copyright is automatically generated upon the creation of the work. All that you are doing with the notice is notifying others of your right.

  If you get any custom artwork/pics make sure you get the creator to sign a copyright assignment agreement, such that you are free to use (and modify) those works.

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    retiredfeline on 03/12/2012 - 21:47

    They made me help write patents in a previous life. :(

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      robotdad on 03/12/2012 - 22:51

      LOL greenpossum! Good to see you escaped your first life to have a Second Life. I more or less have too!

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  mrhorseham on 03/12/2012 - 22:46

  Thanks guys, so its mainly the name/logo/text that is copyrighted. I didn't think i would have any issues as there are many websites that are similar or do the same thing, just wanted to check. Unsure whether i'll go ahead with anything atm, but thanks for all your input.

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    robotdad on 03/12/2012 - 22:54

    You sure you are not talking about some sort of business method? The application or implementation of the idea may be the subject of a patent application.

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      mrhorseham on 03/12/2012 - 23:26

      How would i know if the idea is patented? What's an example of a patented website? Like eBay or the social network websites?

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        retiredfeline on 03/12/2012 - 23:34

        +1

        This is a black art. The treacherous thing is it is possible to violate patent even if you came up with the idea independently but were late. The saving grace is that (in theory) anything that is bleeding obvious (non-novel) is not patentable. Unfortunately lawyers with money keep trying to patent what seem like obvious methods. Hence the constant battle against bad patents.

        It would not be the website that's patented but the method behind it. E.g. Amazon's One-Click purchase. The website would be a realisation of the method.

        This is a gross simplification, IANAL of course. If you think you have a particular idea to protect then you need a lawyer. If you just want to install Joomla! and have fun, then don't worry and be happy.

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    scotty on 03/12/2012 - 23:22

    IANAL but the mechanism on how a specific function works on a website would probably be covered by patents. Usually:

    • Copyright — content, images, etc that are created by individuals or companies. Copyright is automatically assumed as suggested by @robotdad. For example text of an article on a website.
    • Trademark — specific word, phrase or logo used to identify a business in a particular class. For example "OZBARGAIN"
    • Patent — the mechanism of an invention that can be granted to licensees. For example "Swipe to Unlock"