How can I protect a computer program from plagiarism?

The law directly specifies only one way to protect a computer program: registration of the source code.

For real protection, this is extremely small, so in my practice I use at least five.

1. Program source code → Computer program certificate

+ "protects" the code from copying

+ applies to the whole world

+ we get it in just a month

+ the certificate looks like a patent, looks beautiful in advertising

- does not confirm the novelty of the program

- does not protect the very essence of the program (if the program is rewritten in another language, then registering the code will not help punish the violator)

Who needs it?:

— for scientists to report for a grant, research or R&D;

— entrepreneurs, so that they have something to specify in the contract when selling the license.

2. Program algorithm → patent for invention-method

+ protects the main technical feature of the program — its very essence

+ does not depend on the programming language, libraries and other technical details

+ confirms the worldwide novelty of the patented solution

- not every program can be patented

- patenting the method may take about a year, and sometimes it may be refused.

Who will need it: developers of new software solutions, who need to obtain monopoly rights to the very essence of their development.

3. Electronic device → patent for an invention or utility model

+ one patent protects both the device and the program

+ easier to obtain than a patent for just one program

- if there is no separate device, then the option probably won't work.

- using software on another hardware may not be considered a violation

Who will need it: companies that produce electronics.

4. Interface design → Industrial design patent

+ protects the appearance of the program

+ You can try to put the design of the entire program into one application.

+ the fastest and most inexpensive type of patenting

- protects only the interface of the program, but not its meaning

Who needs it?:

developers of programs and applications that sell thanks to cool design;

companies that increase capitalization through intellectual property.

5. Logo and name of the program → trademark

+ monopoly right to use the name or logo

+ entrance ticket to most of the app platforms

+ it will help to kick out a competitor with a similar name from the app store

+ helps to protect the domain name

+ in case of violation, it will help to recover from the violator from several hundred thousand to several million rubles.

Who will need it: entrepreneurs and companies.