Question: how do I secure a copyright?

[Selwynn]

I am finishing up a very large set of training material for a particular approach to software testing, and I would like to copyright the powerpoint presentation so it cannot be used for profit without my permission...

How do I do that?

[eyesroll]

1. Technically, you can slap a "C" symbol on it and it's

copyrighted (i.e. if you can prove you did it first, you're entitled to comensation), but if you want more protection, contact the Patent & Trademark Office (assuming you're in the US):
http://www.uspto.gov/

On edit -- oops, you wanted copyright. Same thing, except copyright.gov.

Good luck.

[russian33]

2. this should help

http://www.copyright.gov/

[markus]

3. Need a proof reader?

Ok, I'm a software tester, and just curious.

I'd be terribly interested to read it, if you like.

mailto:[email protected]

[Selwynn]

6. I'm still in early no-one-gets-to-see drafts right now...

But I'm workin on it...:)

[ixion]

4. you can mail a sealed copy to yourself

it's called a 'poor mans copyright', but it stands up in court. The postmark on the sealed envelope is the copyright.

[Selwynn]

5. Wow I never knew that!

[ret5hd]

7. it's true...

copyrights are easy...all you have to do is prove "i did it first". the cancellation mark on the envelope (tape the envelope closed and have the post office place their mark across the tape, and have it mailed to yourself) will serve as such proof.

[LisaM]

8. Go to www.loc.gov

Library of Congress. It's really easy. You just make a deposit of your materials and they are then copyrighted and on the record. It's also really cheap.