copyrighted code

[low_delta]

Since computer code facilitates a process rather than intellectual property, why isn't patented rather than copywritten?

Comments

[lonita.livejournal.com]

I would assume that a good bit of it probably is.

[melonaise.livejournal.com]

Wow, you're right. I'm still confused as to the difference between copyright and patent when it comes to software, but here are some resources:

http://www.eff.org/Intellectual_property/

[lonita.livejournal.com]

Thank you for the link. :>

[banana.livejournal.com]

Without having read the stuff that melonaise posted, I'd say that the ideas can be patented because they're inventions, but the program code is the expression of an idea, which can be copyright. The way I express some algorithm is my own, except it's my job, so my employer gets the copyright.

[vlinker.livejournal.com]

indeed so!.....

besides, the patent office does not adequately research patent claims and they would be totally overwrought if they had to look at code.........

[low-delta.livejournal.com]

But you invented a way to reach an outcome. There are different ways to prevent material from building up above a sprocket tooth, but I've got a patent pending for one of them.

Ideas must have a practical use.

[banana.livejournal.com]

Hmm - I'd say that you can have a patent on your idea for how to solve the sprocket problem, provided you have a different solution to anyone else before you.

If there were a well known way to keep sprocket teeth clean, and you made something using that method, but you made it light green filligree instead of solid, you might have a case for copyright on your version...

It can be a pretty fine distinction between what's a different idea and what's a different expression of the same idea, but without that sort of distinction, lawyers would go hungry, which might upset some people...

[vlinker.livejournal.com]

your patent will allow others to know how to clean sprocket teeth.......and should you think that they are infringing........it will allow your lawyers to make a bunch of money........

and.......if you are a very small company and the infringer is a very large company, the golden rule will be hard to beat........you can do the court thing......but that's a crapshoot.......