OSNews

So you say that can write something like "You cannot scratch your nose when using Mac OS X" and if you do they can sue, win and put you in jail?

thats not entirely accurate, and if my boss didnt just say i could take the rest of teh day off i would write a lengthy post about how copyright law works in the US. But i will ahve ot save that for a later post

So you waste your bosses time by posting here but when its your own time it's to valuable?

Edited 2008-12-25 00:39 UTC

"but last time I checked there were no "procedures" required to register a copyright in this country. It's automatic as soon as the work is published"

This is true and not true. There are definitely procedures for registering a work. As well, successful litigation for the work and getting damages would require registration.

From the FAQ at the US Copyright Office:

"Why should I register my work if copyright protection is automatic?

Registration is recommended for a number of reasons. Many choose to register their works because they wish to have the facts of their copyright on the public record and have a certificate of registration. Registered works may be eligible for statutory damages and attorney's fees in successful litigation. Finally, if registration occurs within 5 years of publication, it is considered prima facie evidence in a court of law. See Circular 1, Copyright Basics, section “Copyright Registration” and Circular 38b, Highlights of Copyright Amendments Contained in the Uruguay Round Agreements Act (URAA), on non-U.S. works."