Copyright Alias name in the copyright statement of a software product

[MobileDeveloper]

Hello everyone,

I am an independent software developer, currently working on mobile applications. I will use a developer alias name in online stores to publish them, as commonly done. This alias name do not represent a legal entity, e.g. it is not a business company, it will only have a web domain. If i only use this alias name (and not my real name) in the copyright statement of a mobile application, will this risk my copyright ownership and rights? I wish to do this to avoid publicity and issues like fake social ids, id theft etc. Hence, the idea is more security to personal info. My actual personal info will obviously be known to the stores or domain host that i will register. However, i am not sure this is sufficient to reserve my rights in the above case. If there are ways to remain anonymous to end users without starting a legal entity like a software company, but securing personal copyright to developed software, i would like to learn. Thanks for any possible help.

 

[Michael Wechsler]

Technically you will not lose your copyright in the software or mobile app for your "work of authorship." But you should register your copyright with the US Copyright office. However, if you do have issues with your copyright and need to sue for damages, it could work against you because of how US law deals with damages for copyright infringement when a copyright is not filed. That said, you should probably consider using your name in general, or set up a company to use instead of your name. There are many ways to handle issues concerning your identity but, ultimately, if you're that worried about the issue you should consider what you're doing. This sometimes happens when some developers get into the soft-porn business, e.g. girlie calendars and don't want others to know that it's their doing. Well, you've got information about the law and copyright concerning mobile apps. Best of luck.

 

[MobileDeveloper]

If I understand correctly, such alias can be used and the risks of using such alias can be reduced, if one registers each product with the US Copyright office. Upon your reply, I checked related site and online processing times for registration is in the range of several months, which was a bit disheartening. The apps I am developing will be for everyone, it is just that I am cautious when it comes to personal data on the internet. It seems using my real name may be the only option at this time, still open to suggestions though. Thanks again for your help.

Note: I checked again and the duration of months I stated regards the certification, but one does not have to wait certification for publishing. That's good news.

 

[Michael Wechsler]

You can always file for a DBA (doing business as) certificate. My suggestion to you is to look into forming a corporation - a small one like an S corporation or an LLC. The benefits are limited liability as well as others. If the cost of only $150-300 maximum (if you do it yourself and certainly not much more with a incorporation company) is too much for you, then you might want to reevaluate your business viability! For most it's about a lack of understanding how to do this and the fear that the investment won't provide return. I think it does in numerous ways and you only realize it later. Here is first of a three article legal education series on incorporation. It's designed to help people understand a great deal in a short period of time. Best of luck with your decisions and good luck with the app. You'll have to check out ours some time and let us know how we are doing.