Runtime protection

[jonathanmichals]

A basic question. If I create a runtime database and sell it, either as a standalone or on a usb stick, what protection will I have, if any? Should I copyright the database - is this what people do? Have people stolen database ideas in the past, created a somewhat similar db and then sold it? Or, if I unknowingly create a db that someone else has created and is selling would I be subject to a cease and desist? Anyway thanks in advance. Jonathan

[Steven H. Blackwell]

You can perhaps copyright the UI and scripts, etc. of the fdata files, [color:red]but you cannot copyright the runtime engine. FileMaker, Inc. owns the rights to that.

There are various rules about what constitutes copyrightable materials. Perhaps you should consult an IP attorney.

Steven

[jonathanmichals]

Thank you for that. Do you know of a FileMaker Runtime that is copyrighted that I could take a look at as an example? I'm sure I can find one, but perhaps you have one handy that you could point me to.

[Steven H. Blackwell]

Don't have one, no. I don't use runtimes.

Steven

[The Big Bear]

I had a Filemaker solution copyrighted in 2006.

What you do is find a layer that does copyrights and follow their instructions.

I had to submit 25 pages of scripts and a copy of a manual and the copyright page that appears when the program opens.

You do not copyright a program as a runtime, you copyright the program.

Hope this helps

Lionel

Edited April 25, 2008 by Guest

[jonathanmichals]

Thanks Lionel.

When you say you don't copyright a program as a runtime, you copyright the program, are you saying you copyright the database work before you make it into a runtime with FileMaker Pro Advanced?

Jonathan

[The Big Bear]

Jonathan

The way I understand is that everything you wright is copyrighted. All you are doing is registering it with the goverment to have some kind of protection. You registery the program and not the runtime.

Lionel