Can I copyright software I have written?

Yes, you can copyright software you have written in North Carolina. However, depending on your location, requirements may vary. Generally speaking, copyright law gives original authors exclusive rights to all works they create. This includes software you have written. In order to copyright software, you must register it with the United States Copyright Office. It is important to remember that registration is not required for copyright protection, but it will give the most protection since it can be used to prove ownership in case of legal dispute. Additionally, while registration is not necessary for copyright protection, it is a good idea to register any software you have written. Copyrighting your work will help protect your work from being copied without permission. In North Carolina, a copyright will last for the life of the author plus 70 years. During this time, you have exclusive rights to the work, including the right to reproduce, distribute, perform, and display the software. If someone infringes on your copyright, you can take legal action and receive compensation for damages. Therefore, you can copyright software you have written in North Carolina and many other states. By registering your copyright and taking action if someone infringes on it, you can get the protection you need for your work.

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