Can I copyright software I have written?
Yes, you can copyright software you have written in Washington. Copyright law provides authors of original works the exclusive right to reproduce, distribute, and create derivative works based on the original work. This means that you will have the sole right to control the distribution and use of your software in Washington and other states. In order to copyright software in Washington, you must first register the work with the U.S. Copyright Office. You will have to provide the Copyright Office with copies of the software and a completed application form. Once the application is approved, you will be issued a certificate of registration. This certificate serves as evidence that you are the author of the software and that you have the exclusive right to control the distribution and use of the software. Once your work is registered, you can protect it by providing notice of your copyright by including the copyright symbol, year of creation, and name of the copyright owner on the software. Additionally, you can file a lawsuit against anyone who infringes your copyright in Washington. In conclusion, you can copyright software you have written in Washington. In order to do so, you must register the work with the U.S. Copyright Office and include a copyright notice on the software. Once your copyright is registered, you can protect it by filing a lawsuit against any infringers.
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