subject: Software Developers Should Consult An Intellectual Property Lawyer [print this page] Creating handy software applications is one of the best ways to break into the world of computers, games and smartphones. But during this "age of the app," there are many more ways for software developers to leave their mark than in the past. With so many programs being formulated at such a fast rate, competing applications can often appear almost too alike. This naturally results in messy courtroom battles that are becoming more and more prevalent. All present or aspiring software developers should be aware that copyrighting your works is the easiest way to protect them, and that a reliable copyright attorney can offer these kinds of services.
As with music, literature and art, software is considered "intellectual property" and must be protected in order to maintain the original authors' legal rights. An experienced and qualified intellectual property lawyer knows exactly what papers must be filled out and filed in order for your work to be protected, and in most cases, he or she can usually get the job done quickly and with minimal red tape.
Many copyright lawyers can also be of help when you are navigating the world of licensing and distribution, paving the way for you to collect royalties for your work. If your copyright is ever infringed upon, your lawyer can also take care of any of the necessary actions and claims.
There are essentially three different ways for producers of original works (such as software) to protect their interests. There are patents, which cover the actual nuts and bolts of your particular product; trademarks that safeguard your brand name; and last but not least, copyrights which both set an origination date for your creation and give the right to produce and distribute your work to you and you alone (or to whomever you personally give or sell the rights to). Of the three, copyright is almost always the simplest and least expensive way to provide an acceptable level of legal protection to you and your intellectual property.
You never really know who is developing a product similar to yours, especially in this energetic and ever-changing creative climate. Acquiring the services of a copyright attorney is the most effective way of protecting yourself, and the earlier you do so, the better.
