How to register / license the code correctly?

Question

excel

I have a small self-written program written on the basis of Excel + VBA, which implements the principle of automating the maintenance and output of reporting forms in construction. It is distributed by me for free, but the code is closed, although I posted 2 articles on Habré about the logic and the blocks themselves. There is a desire to improve the program, but how is it correct and how can the code and logic of decisions be legally protected, so that someone cunning could not copy the logic / use it for personal gain without permission?
Is it possible to get a license in this case? How can this be done legally?

Answer 1

Everything is already done. When creating intellectual property, you automatically become the sole owner of all copyright and related rights. No one without your written permission has the right to even use your work, let alone distribute it.
The main thing is to be able to prove authorship. You can put the CD with the source codes in a safe deposit box, having certified this fact by a notary.
Attach the text of the license agreement to your program (legal advice may be required here)

Answer 2

I'm Mom's lawyer, but by default, if you explicitly do not allow other people to take, change and distribute the code, then they do not have the right to do so.
even the most shabby three-line open-source libraries add a license file.
Add some appropriate proprietary license to the product that allows use, but does not allow modification and resale.
about "copying logic" - you will not protect it. If your program can add 2 + 2 and get 4, and someone writes another program (not using your code) that adds 2 + 2 and also gets 4, then this will be his program.

Answer 3

go to a lawyer, now a notarized screenshot is no longer a joke, but the courts do not know how to work with law , give them reinforced concrete arguments - that is, it’s not enough to be right in conscience and concepts, you still need to be right procedurally, and software expertise is something else ..

Answer 4

In general, I liked the advice, but the answer to your question is on the Rospatent page .
Take and register. And it doesn't cost that much.
The main thing is that the license agreement is prepared for you by a lawyer, otherwise you yourself will obviously break firewood here ;-)