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Archived Boards and Threads... => Archived Boards => SMF Feedback and Discussion => Topic started by: squad on November 26, 2008, 04:58:27 AM

Title: Correct wording of Copyright Notice?
Post by: squad on November 26, 2008, 04:58:27 AM
I am probably n the wrong section, but I was wondering what is the correct wording of the copyright?

This is how it appears on my forum but I have seen it written in another form, are these words allowed to be changed or not?


Powered by SMF 1.1.7 | SMF © 2006-2008, Simple Machines LLC

Thanks very much.
Title: Re: Correct wording of Copyright Notice?
Post by: Gary on November 26, 2008, 05:03:35 AM
That is the correct form. Except for the version number, which you are allowed to remove (as long as it says "SMF" at the minumum) you are not allowed to alter the copyright.
Title: Re: Correct wording of Copyright Notice?
Post by: squad on November 26, 2008, 05:06:23 AM


So can you say '| Powered by SMF Deluxe'

Not that I am the forum with that I was just wondering if that is acceptable or not?

Thanks :).
Title: Re: Correct wording of Copyright Notice?
Post by: Gary on November 26, 2008, 05:09:53 AM
If you want to say that, go ahead I guess.

You could probably have "Powered by SMF Super Duper Powerful version beyond all description" :P

Though in truth, there isnt really any need to hide your version number. Provided you keep patched up of course.
Title: Re: Correct wording of Copyright Notice?
Post by: squad on November 26, 2008, 05:26:37 AM

Thanks for that, as I have never seen it written any other the site I was talking about is using 1.1 RC something I can't
remember which one exactly :)
Title: Re: Correct wording of Copyright Notice?
Post by: learner on November 26, 2008, 10:14:20 AM
Squad,

Let me preface this by saying I'm not an attorney and you should never take legal advice from a forum. You should check with the gov's copyright info site to verify.

The last major copyright law change (which was done primarily to product Mickey Mouse from going into public domain--no kidding) protects your work with or without a copyright notice. The main advantage to having a copyright notice along with filing for a copyright (within the first 3 months of creation) is that if you ever have to file against someone for intellectual theft you will be able to sue for your attorney fees. Otherwise you are on your own for your legal fees even if you prevail.

BTW don't bother getting advice from any attorney who does not specialize in intellectual property. I have friends who are attorneys who are clueless about intellectual properties including trademarks. One friend who sought out legal help to trademark her company's name was ill advised by an attorney who normally covers contracts. The bad advice she received caused her to lose her company name. If it is important consult an intellectual rights attorney.
Title: Re: Correct wording of Copyright Notice?
Post by: squad on November 26, 2008, 11:25:04 AM
No I will repeat it is not I using this type of copyright notice, I am using the notice in my original post.

I was just interested, as it seemed a odd usage of words ummmmm

Thanks for the information. :)
Title: Re: Correct wording of Copyright Notice?
Post by: Gary on November 26, 2008, 03:26:55 PM
Quote from: squad on November 26, 2008, 05:26:37 AM
Thanks for that, as I have never seen it written any other the site I was talking about is using 1.1 RC something I can't
remember which one exactly :)

If you saw the copyright written differently, it would've been on two lines like:

Forum Name | Powered by SMF 1.1 RC1.
© 2001-2005, Lewis Media. All Rights Reserved.

Lewis Media was the previous holder of SMF's copyright before it was transferred to Simple Machines LLC, it was changed to one line in 1.1 RC2.
Title: Re: Correct wording of Copyright Notice?
Post by: squad on November 27, 2008, 12:22:21 PM
Quote from: Gazmanafc on November 26, 2008, 03:26:55 PM
Quote from: squad on November 26, 2008, 05:26:37 AM
Thanks for that, as I have never seen it written any other the site I was talking about is using 1.1 RC something I can't
remember which one exactly :)

If you saw the copyright written differently, it would've been on two lines like:

Forum Name | Powered by SMF 1.1 RC1.
© 2001-2005, Lewis Media. All Rights Reserved.

Lewis Media was the previous holder of SMF's copyright before it was transferred to Simple Machines LLC, it was changed to one line in 1.1 RC2.

This is what it is like now and yes it was like that previously. When I saw the word 'Deluxe' I thought I had missed something  :-[ That was all :)  Thanks for your help Gazmanafc

Forum Name | Powered by SMF Deluxe.
© 2001-2005, Lewis Media. All Rights Reserved.
Theme by @niqen
Title: Re: Correct wording of Copyright Notice?
Post by: brandonmccoy on November 28, 2008, 09:55:14 PM
you can in fact install custom copyright ,which will put whatever you want on top of the smf info thing
Title: Re: Correct wording of Copyright Notice?
Post by: Gary on November 28, 2008, 10:34:34 PM
You can edit around the SMF copyright as you see fit. That includes left and right of it. :P
Title: Re: Correct wording of Copyright Notice?
Post by: Jade Elizabeth on November 29, 2008, 04:05:37 AM
Why does no one link to the Online Manual anymore?! :'(

Am I allowed to remove/change the copyright? (http://docs.simplemachines.org/index.php?topic=470)


You cant...
-Change
-Remove
-Make invisible/hard to see
-Alter/edit (exception of the forum version I suppose, but that's a whole new ballgame)
...the copyright

Put it this way... you make something you're REALLY proud of, worked on for so many days and nights... and you put a copyright on it.. how would you feel if you decided to share it and people were removing it? Maybe they were making it invisible or altering it? Well, leave the copyright where it is and wear it proudly as a sign of respect for those who have made it I say :).
Title: Re: Correct wording of Copyright Notice?
Post by: squad on November 29, 2008, 04:25:15 AM
Quote from: Jade on November 29, 2008, 04:05:37 AM
Why does no one link to the Online Manual anymore?! :'(

Am I allowed to remove/change the copyright? (http://docs.simplemachines.org/index.php?topic=470)


You cant...
-Change
-Remove
-Make invisible/hard to see
-Alter/edit (exception of the forum version I suppose, but that's a whole new ballgame)
...the copyright

Put it this way... you make something you're REALLY proud of, worked on for so many days and nights... and you put a copyright on it.. how would you feel if you decided to share it and people were removing it? Maybe they were making it invisible or altering it? Well, leave the copyright where it is and wear it proudly as a sign of respect for those who have made it I say :).

Can't agree more, I am extremely proud and honoured to be able have the full copyright displayed on my forum  :)
I would never dream of altering it in any fashion.

That is mainly why I asked, I think it is crazy not to have it as I do:

Powered by SMF 1.1.7 | SMF © 2006-2008, Simple Machines LLC

If you are asking Why I didn't post in the section on the Online Manual? I was too scared to  :-[ sorry.

I also never understand why the forum I found with the different copyright doesn't upgrade, oh I think I do, but
would never say here, I will wait until the day they get caught out :) Don't they call that 'karma'
Title: Re: Correct wording of Copyright Notice?
Post by: Jade Elizabeth on November 29, 2008, 04:35:23 AM
No no. But if you have questions about the documents please post them! If they're supporty I'll email you and ask you to ask here, otherwise I'll reply and put the answer in the document. The entire Online Manual is being re-written. All 351 docs so the more feedback the better ;).
Title: Re: Correct wording of Copyright Notice?
Post by: TexTron on February 26, 2012, 12:34:07 AM
Forgive the revisit but since we are now up to version 2.0.2, and in the year 2012, should'nt this be correct:
SMF 2.0.2 | SMF © 2012, Simple Machines

Instead of this?:
SMF 2.0.2 | SMF © 2011, Simple Machines

I'm not sure if it matters since we are getting close to December 21st.  ::)
Title: Re: Correct wording of Copyright Notice?
Post by: Illori on February 26, 2012, 06:43:46 AM
first off please dont bump old topics and second if you had searched you would have found your answer already http://www.simplemachines.org/community/index.php?topic=466448.0
Title: Re: Correct wording of Copyright Notice?
Post by: Norv on February 26, 2012, 12:32:53 PM
TexTron, I'll update it next release. (since the last was still in 2011).


Quote from: TexTron on February 26, 2012, 12:34:07 AM
I'm not sure if it matters since we are getting close to December 21st.  ::)

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