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                    HOW TO COPYRIGHT SOFTWARE (Yourself)
                    ------------------------------------
                           (c) 1993 Locus Inc.

             * *  Updated for Changes to Copyright Act  * *

    PREFACE TO THE DISK VERSION

         This booklet is a programmer's guide to copyrighting software
    in the United States.  It contains step-by-step instructions from
    a programmer/attorney how to complete the official application for
    a Certificate of Copyright Registration.  This material is being
    distributed on the honor system.  It is not public domain or free,
    although it may be uploaded or downloaded freely.  Just like a book
    in a bookstore, you have a limited right to look before you buy.
    If you send $14.95 to the address below, includes S&H, you will
    receive a printed copy of the entire work, including the official
    application form and examples that could not be uploaded because
    they contain non-ASCII graphics.

                       Thank you for your support!
                                *  *  *
       	            Locus Inc., 122 Peace Lane,
                       Pewee Valley, KY  40056-9001
                    Internet: 72426.2567@COMPUSERVE.COM

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     | Send $14.95 to:                   |                  |
     |   Locus Inc., 122 Peace Lane      |   Thank You!     |
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    NOTE:  The disk version of this booklet is a standard ASCII text
    file with hard carriage returns at the ends of the lines.  This
    file contains no special control characters or printer codes, so
    should print fine with the DOS PRINT command, or convert cleanly
    into most word processors.

    ================================================================

                    HOW TO COPYRIGHT SOFTWARE (Yourself)
                    ------------------------------------
                           (c) 1993 Locus Inc

    INTRODUCTION

         Everyone knows how easily computer programs and manuals can be
    copied.  Registration with the United States Copyright Office in
    Washington D.C. is an excellent way to protect your valuable work
    product with a minimum of red tape and expense.  Computer software
    may also be protected by patents and trademarks.  Copyrights stop
    copying.  Patents stop making, using or selling.  Trademarks stop
    confusing names.  Unfortunately, procedures in the U.S. Patent and
    Trademark Office are considerably more complex, time consuming and
    expensive than in the Copyright Office, thus they are not covered
    in this brief guide.

         Because all software protection schemes require some degree of
    familiarity with copyright law, Chapter 1 briefly discusses the
    basics of copyrights, with an emphasis on software.  Chapter 2
    takes a more nuts-and-bolts approach as to how to actually fill out
    the deceptively simple application form "TX."  Chapter 3 then deals
    with the final details of where, when, and what to send to the
    Copyright Office along with your application.  Lastly, the Appendix
    contains all the forms, letters and examples you will need to
    complete and file your application.

                               * * * * *
     TABLE OF CONTENTS

    Preface
    Introduction

    Chapter 1  Computer Law Basics
      1.1        Ideas are Free
      1.2        Scope of Protection
      1.3        Bundle of Rights
      1.4        Infringements
      1.5        Copyright Notice

    Chapter 2  Application Form TX
      2.1        Space 1 - Title
      2.2        Space 2 - Authorship
      2.2.1        Name of Author
      2.2.2        Works Made For Hire
      2.2.3        Nationality
      2.2.4        Anonymity
      2.2.5        Nature of Authorship
      2.3        Space 3 - Dates
      2.3.1        Creation
      2.3.2        Publication
      2.4        Space 4 - Claimant
      2.4.1        Claimant is Author
      2.4.2        Claimant is not Author
      2.4.3        Claimant is Joint Author
      2.4.4        Transfer Statement
      2.5        Space 5 - Previous Registration
      2.6        Space 6 - Derivative Works or Compilations
      2.6.1        Preexisting Material
      2.6.2        Material Added
      2.6.3        Examples
      2.7        Space 7 - (deleted)
      2.8        Space 8 - Reproduction for Blind or Handicapped
      2.9        Space 9 - Correspondence From Office
      2.10       Space 10 - Signature and Certification
      2.11       Space 11 - Return Address For Certificate

    Chapter 3  Final Steps
      3.1        Filing Fee
      3.2        Deposit Requirements
      3.2.1        Special Relief and Trade Secrets
      3.2.2        Object Code and Rule of Doubt
      3.2.3        Screen Displays
      3.3        Mailing
      3.4        Office Action
      3.5        About the Author

    Appendix
    Index
    CHAPTER 1:  COMPUTER LAW BASICS

         This booklet is designed to be a practical guide for non-
    lawyers.  A  conscious effort was made to cut out legalese and
    lawyer talk.  However, copyrights are deceptively simple.  The
    basic concepts can be stated in a few sentences, yet the law
    construing them occupies volumes.  By all means, consult with your
    lawyer if you have questions about any part of this registration
    process.  Or feel free to call the support BBS listed above.  Two
    other good sources of online legal information are GEnie's Legacy
    and Compuserve's LawSig.

    1.1  IDEAS ARE FREE

          Copyright does not protect ideas, only expressions of ideas.
    What does that mean?  Think about it.  An idea is an original
    thought in your brain.  An expression is that same thought reduced
    to something you can see or hear.  Particularly with software, if
    you can see it you probably have an expression.  For example, you
    can see source code, but not mental logic.  Therefore, source code
    is protected, logic is not.  Thus, the first rule for any copyright
    is there must be a tangible form of
    expression.

         The second rule is that the expression must be original.
    However, a single idea can be expressed more than one way.  For
    example,  Lotus 1-2-3 and Microsoft Excel both share the same idea
    of an electronic spreadsheet, yet each expresses the idea
    differently.  They have different interfaces, file structures, and
    source code.  There is no infringement.  So, copyright only
    protects original expressions that are fixed in some tangible
    format.

         Sometimes an idea is so common or there are so few ways to
    express it that the idea and the expression are said to merge.  A
    merger of the idea and its expression occurs when the expression is
    indispensable to the treatment of the idea.  As a result, the scope
    of protection may be severely limited if you end up in court.

    1.2  SCOPE OF PROTECTION

         Copyright protection is readily available for computer
    programs in all their forms, including source code, object code,
    and microcode.  You can also copyright written documentation and
    user manuals on the same application made for software.  However,
    copyright protection does NOT extend to the underlying procedure,
    process, system, method, concept, principle, discovery, formula or
    algorithm, regardless of the format in which it is coded,
    described, illustrated or embodied in the work.

         A derivative work is one based upon or incorporating a
    preexisting work.  For example, MicroSoft Windows 3.0 derives from
    Windows 2.0, thus 3.0 is a derivative work of 2.0, and so on.
    Other examples of derivative works include translations (ex.
    rewriting BASIC into C), abridgements (ex. releasing a Lite
    version), and additions (ex. adding pulldown menus).  So whenever
    a work is recast, transformed, or adapted, and the changes are
    significant enough, you have a derivative work.

         A compilation occurs when you collect and assemble other
    preexisting materials or data.  The creative effort in a
    compilation copyright is in how you select, coordinate, or arrange
    the material.  The classic example of a compilation copyright is
    the telephone directory.  Another example would be a sampler disk
    or a collection of programs from various authors (ex. PC Magazine
    Utilities Disk).  Note that you must have a copyright owner's
    permission before reproducing, including or changing his work.

         Public domain materials do not belong to anyone.  They may be
    copyrights that have expired or the author has dedicated to the
    public.  Or perhaps the author never registered the work, or maybe
    the registration was denied for lack of proper subject matter.
    Whatever the reason, public domain material does not have an owner,
    per se, and may be copied or included in derivative works and
    compilations.

    1.3  BUNDLE OF RIGHTS

         A copyright owner has certain exclusive rights.  Only the
    owner of a copyright on a program can:  (1) reproduce or authorize
    copying of the program;  (2) make derivative works or changes to
    the program;  and (3) distribute, license or sell the program.
    These exclusive rights last for the life of the author, plus 50
    years.  Or if the  work was made for hire (see Section 2.2.2), for
    75 years from the date of publication, or 100 years from creation,
    whichever is shorter.

         Having a Certificate of Registration is prima facie evidence
    of the validity of your copyright.  Also, if you are registered at
    the time of the infringement, the defendant can no longer claim to
    be an "innocent infringer."  Plus, you can recover your attorney
    fees if you have to go to court to enforce your rights (and win).

         When courts must determine who has right, title and interest
    in a program, judges often struggle with the idea-expression
    dichotomy.  However, modern courts have recognized that software
    consists of four legally significant elements:  (1) source and
    object code;  (2) structure, sequence and organization;  (3)
    function or purpose; and  (4) user interface.  Copyright treats
    each element as an independent work of authorship provided it
    qualifies as an expression rather than an idea.

    1.4  INFRINGEMENTS

         Suppose you discover someone is making unauthorized copies or
    your software or is marketing a blatant ripoff or a former employee
    is incorporating code he wrote for you in another program.  How can
    you stop them?  You must first have a Certificate of Registration.
    You cannot file suit until you are registered.  Then, a federal
    judge can issue an injunction ordering the defendant to cease and
    desist the infringing activities.  The judge can even direct a U.S.
    Marshall (remember Marshall Dillon on "Gunsmoke?") to seize and
    destroy the infringing materials.  Later at trial, you may be
    awarded money damages based on, say, your lost business or the
    defendant's unjust profits.  Or if your damages are unknown, you
    can opt for statutory damages of up to $100,000 per infringement,
    provided you were registered at the time of the infringement.

         If you were not registered when you learned of the infringer,
    all is not lost, but must file right away if you plan to litigate.
    The Copyright Office can provide expedited handling upon special
    request.  The "Request for Special Handling" in the Appendix
    requires a sworn statement explaining the urgency, accompanied by
    a special processing fee of $200.00.  If your request is granted,
    the Office will attempt to process the application within 5 days.

         To constitute an infringement, two works must be substantially
    similar.  Obviously, this is a subjective standard.  Modern courts
    may use a two-part test to determine whether one programs infringes
    another.  First, a skilled programmer may scrutinize the code and
    say whether the sequence, structure and organization of the two
    have a comprehensive nonliteral similarity.  Second, the judge or
    jury may simply observe the two programs running side-by-side and
    say whether they have the same overall "look and feel."  If both
    tests are true, there is infringement.  If only one test is true,
    other factors may be considered.

    1.5  COPYRIGHT NOTICE

         The copyright notice is not required.  The law before 1989 was
    that if you failed to use a valid copyright notice, you could lose
    your copyrights in the work.  That is no longer the case.  But, I
    STRONGLY RECOMMEND that you use the copyright notice by putting the
    following notice prominently on your startup screens, in your source
    code, on user manuals and all other documentation, including disks:

       **********************************************************
       *  COPYRIGHT (C) 1993 ABC COMPANY.  ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. *
       **********************************************************

        Note the three parts to the copyright notice: (1) COPYRIGHT or
    COPR or (C);  (2) the YEAR of creation or first publication;  and
    (3) the NAME of the copyright owner.  ALL RIGHTS RESERVED is not
    required, but gives you rights in other parts of the world.

    CHAPTER 2:  APPLICATION FORM TX

         A Certificate of Copyright Registration is to software like a
    Deed is to land.  Both are proof of ownership and title.  However,
    your copyrights exist the instant you write the code without having
    to do anything.  But to perfect your rights, you should register
    your work with the U.S. Copyright Office.  This process can be done
    without lawyers and usually takes about three to six months.

           The Copyright Office considers software to be a "writing,"
    like a book or a poem, therefore the same application form is used
    as for texts.  In fact, the TX is short for TeXt.  The following
    are all that are required to apply for a copyright:

              (1)  A completed Form TX.
              (2)  One copy of the program.
              (3)  The filing fee ($20).

          A blank TX Form and several other forms and samples are found
    in the Appendix.  You can make and use copies of these forms, but
    be sure the two-sided TX form is copied onto two-sided paper if you
    intend to file it.  The Appendix also has an example of what a
    Certificate of Copyright Registration looks like.

          The Copyright Office has a "single registration" policy, that
    is, they prefer only one application per work.  However, since
    since software is rarely one giant program, but is usually a system
    of modules, including screens, overlays, drivers, help files,
    config files, documentation, manuals, etc., the question arises
    whether one registration can cover the whole thing?  The answer is
    YES.  The Copyright Office considers all these parts to be a single
    work and insists that they be handled on a single application.

         The TX form is only two pages, with only 11 numbered spaces
    for supplying information.  Each space has multiple lines, sub-
    parts,  or boxes to check.  Throughout this Chapter, my Section
    numbering scheme follows the corresponding space on the Form TX .
    Examples are in ALL CAPITAL LETTERS or within "quotation marks."

    2.1  SPACE 1 - TITLE

         The name or title of your program goes in Space 1, Line 1.
    This should be the full, popular title of your program, including
    version number (if any).  For example: "MICROSOFT QUICKBASIC 4.5"
    or "LOTUS 1-2-3, RELEASE 3.0."  There is no copyright in titles, so
    the program name does not have to be completely original.  Just be
    sure not to use someone else's trade name or trademark without
    their permission.

         Usually, you can skip the rest of Space 1.  However, if your
    program has another name, give that name in Line 2 of Space 1.  Or
    if your program is part of a collection (such as a sampler disk or
    magazine), give the title of the magazine or sampler in Line 3, and
    state the volume and issue number in Line 4.  For example, "BYTE
    MAGAZINE, JANUARY 1991."

    2.2  SPACE 2 - AUTHORSHIP

        This is the most important section.  Your answers here must be
    consistent with your answers in Space 4 (Claimant).  Correctly
    identifying authorship involves significant rights and will have a
    major impact on ultimate ownership, use, and transfer of the
    software.  Be sure to read through all of Section 2.2 first.

    2.2.1  NAME OF AUTHOR

      FOR INDIVIDUALS ==>  If you wrote the program, put your full name
    and birthdate in Line 1 of Space 2(a).  If you wrote the software
    jointly with one or more people with the intention that all
    contributions be merged into a whole, give each person's full name
    and birthdate in Spaces 2(b), 2(c), etc. If additional spaces are
    needed, use Form TX/CON in Appendix A.

      FOR BUSINESSES ==>  If you are operating as a business and the
    programming was done by you or regular employees of your business,
    then put your company's full legal name as the author in Space
    2(a), Line 1.  Leave the birthdate information blank.  Please be
    sure to read Section 2.2.2 very closely, especially if you had any
    contract programming done.

     2.2.2  WORK MADE-FOR-HIRE.  On the left side of Line 2, Space 2,
    there is a check box for a tricky question:  "Was this contribution
    to the work a 'work made for hire'?"  This is a legal term of art.
    A work is made-for-hire if it is (1) prepared by employees within
    the scope of their employment;  or (2) specially ordered or
    commissioned and the parties agree IN WRITING that the work is
    made-for-hire.  The author of a work made-for-hire is generally the
    employer, not the employee.  Just because you paid for it doesn't
    mean it yours.

         Work-for-hire situations can arise several ways.  For example,
    a dentist hires a neighbor's kid to write a billing system, or a
    bank hires temporary contract programmers to finish a big project.
    Even if the programmer is given instructions every step of the way,
    there must be a written agreement signed by both parties
    acknowledging the work is made-for-hire.  Otherwise, all or part of
    the copyright belongs to the programmer.

          Therefore, if any part of the program was made-for-hire, you
    must check "YES" in the box provided on Line 2 of Space 2, give the
    employer's name as the Author of that part of the work.  Leave the
    space for dates of birth and death blank.

    2.2.3  NATIONALITY.  In the middle of Line 2 of Space 2, you must
    give the country where the author is a citizen or is domiciled.  In
    most cases, the author of the work will be a U.S. citizen or
    business.  In general, a person is domiciled in the place where he
    or she has a fixed and permanent residence with an intention to
    continue living at that residence for an unlimited time or to
    return to it whenever absent.  If the author is a foreign company,
    give the country where the business is domiciled.

    2.2.4  ANONYMITY.  On the right of Space 2, Line 2, you can
    register anonymously.  Anonymous registration is NOT recommended.
    You should just check "NO" to both questions here.  Always check
    with your attorney before checking Anonymous or Pseudonymous.  But
    if you insist on being Anonymous, you can put "ANONYMOUS" for the
    Name of Author in Line 1, or just leave blanks for the Name. If you
    insist, you can give a pseudonym for the Name of Author, provided
    you qualify it with the word "PSEUDONYM" (ex. "BIG JOHN,
    PSEUDONYM"), or you can give your real name plus your pseudonym
    (ex. "WILLIAM GATES, WHOSE PSEUDONYM IS WILD BILL").

    2.2.5  NATURE OF AUTHORSHIP.  In Space 2, Line 3, the Copyright
    Office wants a VERY BRIEF description of your work.  Brief Means
    Terse!  Just put "COMPUTER PROGRAM."  If you also want to register
    the documentation, just put "COMPUTER PROGRAM AND DOCUMENTATION."
    Get the picture?  Do not give any more detail than absolutely
    necessary.  Particularly avoid descriptions of program functions,
    screens, design, structure, and the like.  The more detailed you
    get, the more likely the Copyright Office will question your
    application.

    2.3  SPACE 3 - DATES

    2.3.1  CREATION.  In Space 3(a), put the year the finished program
    was created.  A program is created when it is fixed in some
    permanent tangible form.  This is not to say you cannot change it
    later since each significant version constitutes a copyrightable
    work.  In any event, make sure the creation date is consistent with
    other dates appearing on the application and in the program.

    2.3.2  PUBLICATION.  A program is published when it is sold,
    transferred, assigned, licensed, rented, leased, or offered for
    distribution to the public.  If your program has never been
    published, just leave the date and nation information in Space 3(b)
    blank.  If your program has been published, then you must give the
    date and nation where it was first published.  The approximate date
    is acceptable if you cannot recall exactly.

    2.4  SPACE 4 - CLAIMANT

         The claimant is the person or company who is now claiming
    ownership and title in the copyright, or at least part of it.
    Usually, the claimant and the author are the same.  However, the
    claimant may be different when there has been an assignment or some
    other form of transfer from the author originally named in Space 2.
    If that is case, a brief transfer statement must be made (see
    Section 2.4.4).  In pseudocode:

         IF SPACE 4 = SPACE 2
            NO TRANSFER STATEMENT REQUIRED
         ELSE
            TRANSFER STATEMENT REQUIRED.

    2.4.1  If the claimant is the SAME as the author named in Space 2,
    put his or her or its name and address in Space 4, Line 1.
    Obviously, you do not need a transfer statement if there has been
    no transfer.

    2.4.2  If the claimant is DIFFERENT from the author named in Space
    2, you need to explain this discrepancy.  Thus, in Space 4, Line 1
    give the claimant's full name and address, and on Line 2 give a
    brief statement how title was transferred (see Section 2.4.4).

    2.4.3  If there were joint authors and the claimant is less than
    ALL of the authors, again you will need to explain this.  In Space
    4, Line 1 give this claimant's full name and address, and on Line
    2 give a brief transfer statement how this claimant got title to
    the entire work was obtained (see Section 2.4.4).

    2.4.4  TRANSFER STATEMENT.  The transfer statement is a very brief
    explanation how the claimant got ownership.  It is NOT the document
    itself.  Rather, the transfer statement need only be a word or two,
    such as "BY ASSIGNMENT" or "BY WRITTEN AGREEMENT."   Do NOT attach
    the transfer document itself.  However, transfer documents can be
    filed separately with the Copyright Office by sending a letter of
    request and a $10.00 filing fee per document.

     2.5  SPACE 5 - PREVIOUS REGISTRATION

         Each version or release of a program is a different work.  If
    you have registered your program before, check "YES" in the TOP box
    in Space 5, plus check one or more of the next 3 boxes in Space 5
    to explain why another registration is being sought.  Those reasons
    include:

      (1)  The program was unpublished when you first registered, and
    you now seek a second registration to cover your first published
    edition.  Check the SECOND box.

      (2)  The program was previously registered by somebody else
    (perhaps a co-author), and you now seek registration in your name.
    Check the THIRD box.

      (3)  You revised the program since the first registration, and
    now seek registration on the changed version.  Check the FOURTH box
    AND complete Space 6.

         If you checked "YES" to the TOP box, you must give the
    previous registration number and the year of registration on the
    bottom line of Space 5.  If you made more than one registration of
    this program, you need only give the latest registration number and
    year.

    2.6  SPACE 6 - DERIVATIVE WORKS or COMPILATIONS

         You only need to complete Space 6 if your program is a
    derivative work, a changed version of another work, or a
    compilation of preexisting works (see Sections 1.3 and 2.5 above).
    Derivative or changed works are based upon or derived from one or
    more preexisting works.  A compilation collects or assembles
    preexisting materials from various sources, or extracts and
    reassembles material or data from another source.  You must
    complete Spaces 6a and 6b for derivative or changed works, but for
    compilations you need only complete Space 6b.

    2.6.1  PREEXISTING MATERIAL.  Space 6a is for derivative works or
    changed versions only.  Here, briefly describe the preexisting
    material or program you updated, adapted or transformed.  That is,
    identify any preexisting works your program may be based on or
    incorporate.  This may include public domain or government material
    (see examples in Section 2.6.3)

    2.6.2  MATERIAL ADDED.  Space 6b is for derivative works and
    compilations.  The Copyright Office wants a BRIEF statement of any
    added material in which you now claim copyright.  If you have a
    derivative or changed work, give a short description what is new
    about this changed version.  Or if you have a compilation, start
    your description with the word "COMPILATION," then summarize
    briefly your efforts in creating this work.

    2.6.3  EXAMPLES.  Examples of how you might complete Spaces 6a and
    6b for derivative works and/or compilations are set forth below:

      (1)  For a derivative work, such as WordPerfect 5.1 -
             6a - "WordPerfect 5.0"
             6b - "Additional features and text"

      (2)  For a compilation, such as the PC Mag Utilities Disk -
         6a - (leave blank)
             6b - "Compilation of DOS utilities and text"

      (3)  For a derivative work AND compilation, such as a
           program incorporating public domain material -
             6a - "Standard file compression routines"
             6b - "Additional programming and text"

    2.7  SPACE 7 - (DELETED)

         In the past, Space 7 was used for manufacturing provisions,
    but it is no longer required.  The new TX forms have deleted this
    space.  If you happen to have an old TX form, just leave Space 7
    blank.

    2.8  SPACE 8 - REPRODUCTION FOR BLIND OR HANDICAPPED

         The Library of Congress reproduces and distributes some works
    for use by blind or physically handicapped individuals.  If you
    wish to grant the Library of Congress a limited right to copy and
    distribute your work solely for the blind or handicapped, check Box
    8b and sign your name.  You can always terminate this license upon
    90 days notice.

    2.9  SPACE 9 - CORRESPONDENCE FROM OFFICE

         Skip the first half of Space 9, DEPOSIT ACCOUNT, unless of
    course you have a charge account with the Copyright Office )if that
    is the case, why do you need this booklet?)

         However, the second half of Space 9 is very important in case
    the Copyright Examiner needs to contact you.  Give your name (or
    person most suited to answer questions), an address and daytime
    telephone number  Often a simple phone call from the Examiner can
    straighten out the problem.

    2.10  SPACE 10 - SIGNATURE AND CERTIFICATION

         Finally, you get to sign the application in Space 10.  In the
    top part of Space 10, check one of the boxes indicating your status
    as the:  (a) author;  (b) other copyright claimant;  (c) owner of
    exclusive rights;  or (d) authorized agent of a, b or c.
         On the middle line of Space 10, type or print your name and
    the date you signed the application.  Make sure that if you listed
    the work as published in Space 3, the date signed is later than the
    date published.
         Put your signature on the bottom line of Space 10, where the
    finger is pointing.  By signing the application, you are certifying
    that everything is true and accurate to the best of your knowledge.
    The TX form warns that any false representation of a material fact
    in an application for copyright or in any written statement filed
    in connection with it SHALL be fined up to $2,500.

    2.11  SPACE 11 - MAILING ADDRESS FOR CERTIFICATE

         In Space 11, give the name and full mailing address where you
    want the Certificate of Copyright Registration mailed.  Usually,
    this is the same address you have used time after time herein.  But
    if you want, you can have the Certificate mailed somewhere else.

      ================================================================

    CHAPTER 3:  FINAL STEPS

    3.1  FILING FEE = $20.00

         The required filing fee for each application is $20.00 (twenty
    dollars) effective January 3, 1991.  This fee is non-refundable.
    Make your check or money order payable to the "Register of
    Copyrights" and be sure to send a cover letter (see section 3.3).

    3.2  DEPOSIT REQUIREMENTS

         The Copyright Office requires that you deposit with the
    Library of Congress a "best edition" of your work.  In most cases,
    the best edition of a computer program is its source code.  The
    source code may be deposited in any form visually perceptible
    without the aid of a machine or device, on paper or microform,
    preferably showing the copyright notice.  Filing on floppy disks
    and magnetic media is being considered, but is not yet required.

         You do not have to deposit the entire source listing.  Rather,
    you can file with the Copyright Office representative deposits of
    your program in the following ways:

      (1)  The first 25 and last 25 pages of source code.

      (2)  If you have multiple programs, the first 25 pages from the
    first program and the last 25 pages from the last program.

      (3)  If you have a revised version, and no changes or additions
    are contained in the first 25 and last 25 pages, you can send any
    50 representative pages of the revised material.

         By far, most people use the first option, but if you hesitate
    to disclose ANY of your source code, special deposit procedures are
    available as explained in the following Section.

    3.2.1  SPECIAL RELIEF AND TRADE SECRETS.  Since Copyright Office
    records are open to the public, trade secrets could be lost if you
    deposit a significant portion of your source code. Recognizing this
    possibility, the Copyright Office provides for special relief from
    the above deposit options.   Write a letter to the Chief Examiner
    requesting special relief, and the following deposit options are
    available:

      (1)  The first 25 and last 25 pages of source code with up to 50%
    blocked out.  The blocked-out portions must be proportionately less
    than the material remaining.  Some people photocopy the source code
    through a clear plastic sheet with masking tape blocking out half
    the sheet.

      (2)  The first and last 10 pages of source code with NO blocked
    out portions.

      (3)  The first and last 25 pages of object code, plus any 10 or
    more consecutive pages of source code with NO blocked-out portions.

    3.2.2  OBJECT CODE AND RULE OF DOUBT.  As mentioned before, in rare
    cases you may deposit object code.  Deposits of object code are
    subject to the Copyright Office's "Rule of Doubt."  This means that
    the Copyright Office has accepted the deposit material for filing
    purposes without making any independent determination of its
    copyrightability.

    3.2.3  COMPUTER SCREEN DISPLAYS.  Computer programs and screen
    displays should be registered as a single work.   All copyrightable
    expression owned by the same claimant and embodied in a computer
    program, or first published as a unit with a computer program,
    including computer screen displays, is considered a single work and
    should be registered on a single application form.

         There is no need to refer to screen displays on the TX
    application.  However, once you mention screens or other audio-
    visual whistles and bells, you must send copies of screens,
    printouts, photographs, drawings, or VHS and the Copyright Examiner
    will be forced to make a judgment call on each screen.  Deposit of
    screen displays is disfavored by the Copyright Office and will
    drastically slow down the application process.

    3.3  MAILING

         Pack up your application form, the deposit material, and the
    filing fee, and address the whole package to:

                      Register of Copyrights
                      Library of Congress
                      Washington D.C.  20559

         Regular U.S. mail is fine, certified or registered delivery is
    not necessary.  However, it is a good idea to send include a cover
    letter listing the contents of your package.  It also helps to
    include a self-addressed postcard for the Copyright Office mailroom
    to date-stamp and return to you acknowledging receipt (see
    Appendix).  On the postcard, list everything sent in the package.

    3.4  OFFICE ACTION

         Processing by the Copyright Office usually takes about three
    to six months.  If the Examiner has any questions, you will receive
    a letter or phone call.  Communications are quite informal, but you
    do need to reply to Office actions no later than six months.
    Hopefully, the only thing you will receive is a big brown U.S.
    government envelope containing your Certificate of Copyright
    Registration.

    3.5  ABOUT THE AUTHOR

         Beach A. Craigmyle is an attorney in Louisville, Kentucky.
    He was a former programmer/analyst and information systems auditor.
    He concentrates his law practice in the area of intellectual property,
    computer law, business law and litigation.  His office address is:
    2500 Brown & Williamson Tower, Louisville, Kentucky 40202, phone
    (502) 584-1135, FAX (502) 561-0442.  He may be reached through
    the Internet at 72426.2567@COMPUSERVE.COM, GEnie (B.CRAIGMYLE), and
    on CompuServe (72426,2567).

    ================================================================

                             APPENDIX

         The documents included in the appendixes below could not be
    attached to the disk version of this booklet because they are
    typeset.  Basically, they look like any other government document
    with lots of lines, boxes, and fine print.

    ================================================================
                          APPENDIX A
                     Blank Forms TX and TX/CON
    ================================================================
                          APPENDIX B
                     Example TX Form Completed
               Certificate of Copyright Registration
    ================================================================
                          APPENDIX C
                   Request for Special Handling
    ================================================================
                          APPENDIX D
                 Correspondence with Copyright Office
                 1.  Transmittal letter
                 2.  Request for Special Relief

    ================================================================

                              INDEX
      References are to Sections and to Appendixes.

    Abridgements, 2.6
    Additions, 1.2, 2.6.2
    Anonymity, 2.2.4
    Assignment, 2.4.4
    Authorship, 2.2.5
    BBS support, 3.5
    Birthdate, 2.2.1
    Blind or handicapped, 2.8
    Business name, 2.2.1
    Certificate, 1.3, 2.11, Appx B
    Claimant, 2.4, 2.2
    Coauthor, see Joint
    Collection, 2.1
    Compilations, 1.2, 2.6
    Copying, 1.3, 1.4
    Correspondence, 3.3
    Courts, 1.3, 1.4
    Creation, 1.5, 2.3.1
    Damages, 1.4
    Dates, 1.4, 2.3
    Deposit material, 3.2
    Derivative works, 1.2, 2.6
    Documentation, 1.2, 3.2
    Domicile, 2.2.3
    Employment, 2.2.2, 2.4
    Expedited handling, 1.4
    Expressions, 1.1, 1.2
    Fees 2.0, 1.4
    Help, 3.5
    Ideas 1.1, 1.2
    Infringement 1.4
    Injunction, 1.3
    Joint authors, 2.2, 2.4.3, 2.5
    Judgment, 1.4
    Mailing address, 2.9, 2.11, 3.3
    Merger doctrine, 1.2
    Microcode, 1.2
    Nationality, 2.2.3
    Notice, 1.5
    Object code, 1.2, 3.2.2
    Patents, Intro, 1.5
    Preexisting material, 2.6
    Previous registration, 2.5
    Pseudonym, 2.2.4
    Public domain, 1.2, 2.6.3
    Publication, 2.3.2, 2.5, 2.10
    Rights, 1.3, 1.2
    Rule of doubt, 3.2.2
    Screen displays, 1.2, 3.2.3
    Signature, 2.10
    Similarity, 1.4
    Source code, 1.2, 3.2, 3.2.1
    Special handling, 1.4, Appx C
    Special relief, 3.2.1, Appx D
    Titles, 2.1, 2.5
    Trade Secrets, 1.5, 3.2.1
    Trademarks, Intro, 1.5, 2.1
    Transfer statement, 2.4, 2.4.4
    Translations, 1.2, 2.6
    TX Form, 2.0, Appx A
    User interface, 1.1, 1.3
    User manual, 1.2, 3.2
    Work for hire, 2.2, 2.2.2
    Written agreement, 2.2.2, 2.4.4

    =========================[ END ]================================

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