Does copyright also apply to software and apps?
January 26, 2022 | 40,00 EUR | answered by Verena Friedendahl
Dear lawyer,
I have a question regarding copyright law in relation to software and apps. My name is Renata Koch, a software developer who regularly creates new programs and apps. I would like to ensure that my work is legally protected and that I do not infringe on any copyrights.
My concern is that I am not sure if copyright law also applies to software and apps. I have heard that there are specific regulations in this area and that it is important to secure all rights to my programs and apps. Therefore, I would like to know if my software and apps are automatically protected by copyright or if I need to take additional measures to protect my intellectual property.
For example, can I simply publish my program or app online without worrying about someone copying or claiming my work for themselves? Or are there specific steps I need to take to protect my intellectual property and enforce my copyright in case of infringement?
I would appreciate if you could provide me with further information on this topic and suggest possible solutions to protect my intellectual property in the field of software and app development.
Thank you in advance for your help and support.
Sincerely,
Renata Koch
Dear Ms. Koch,
Thank you for your question regarding copyright in relation to software and apps. It is very important that you take care of the legal protection of your work to avoid copyright infringement and secure your intellectual property.
Copyright also applies to software and apps, as they are considered intangible works under copyright law. This means that as the creator, you automatically own the copyright to your programs and apps once you create them. Therefore, you do not need to take additional measures to protect your intellectual property. Your work is protected by copyright from the beginning.
If you publish your program or app online, you should still ensure to include your copyright information to make it clear that you are the author. This can be done, for example, through a copyright symbol or a notice like "© [Your Name] [Year]". This will make it clear to others that it is your intellectual work and they cannot use it without your permission.
If there is still a copyright infringement, you should take legal action immediately. You can enforce your rights as the creator and take action against the unauthorized use of your software or app. In such a case, it is advisable to consult a copyright lawyer to represent your interests and claim damages.
It is also advisable to document all development phases of your software and apps to be able to prove that you are the author in case of a dispute. Keep track of all ideas, sketches, codes, and versions to demonstrate the originality of your work.
I hope this information helps you and provides guidance on how to protect your intellectual property in the field of software and app development. If you have any further questions or need legal assistance, I am happy to help.
Best regards,
Verena Friedendahl, Attorney at Law
