How do I protect my software against infringement?

In Washington, software can be protected through intellectual property law. The two main types of intellectual property law used to protect software are copyrights and patents. With copyrights, the creator of the software is given exclusive rights to the the written code and any associated images, music, or other material used to create the software. Copyrights prevent people from copying, distributing, or publishing the software without permission from the creator. Patents protect the innovative ideas and processes that make up the software, such as features or functions. With a patent, the inventor of the software can prevent others from making, using, or selling the software without their permission. To protect your software against infringement, you should register it with the United States Copyright Office or the United States Patent and Trademark Office. This will give you legal proof of ownership, which can be used in a court of law if someone copies or otherwise infringes on your software. You should also consider seeking professional legal advice about your software, as it will help you understand the legal process and develop the best strategy for protecting your software in Washington. Additionally, make sure you keep records about the software, including its development, marketing, and sales. This information can be valuable in the event of a dispute.

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