Things that are YOURS
 

You can copyright a hack just like you can copyright a template mod. It's no different, it just says nobody else can release something similar to mine. And we wouldn't allow it since it would be somewhat of a copy when a mod is already released which does that.

Okay I was sitting here wondering about a few things. I'm a vBulletin owner as most of you may know already. I know vB like the back of my hand almost. :p But after reading a few new, and older post here. I seemed to notice a few people calling some template mods they released MINE. I mean is it really YOURS. can you actually copyright a template mod? (Im actually being serious when I ask that question) Cause if you think about it, theres only really one way to do a lot of template mods. Like "Moderators Table Removal" (Just an example) There isn't really any other way to remove the Moderators table other then deleting the $forum[moderators] table right? and adding a colspan here and there to specified templates to make it all fit correctly. So could you really say that is your Template Mod? I would say no. Cause I know quite a few people that knew and have already done before a lot of hacks and mods where released. Hacks I could understand cause of the code. But Templates???? Come on.... Just something running through my mind :)

Of course you can copyright a mod. It's intellectual property, and as such it is copyrighted instantly from its conception according to US copyright law.

So your telling me that if SD copyrighted the Mod Removal table and part of the copyright was to place a copyright text on the footer of every page. and someone so happen to know HTML really well and did it them selfs. He could get in trouble for not displaying a copyright on the footer?

-Edit I dont mean to sound like im aguring lol just was courious

I think is going to be really hard to copyright lot's of template mods.
I understand some complicate ones.... but not the one that every "Joe blow" can do with a simple html knowledge.

I mean, you can put a Copyright but I highly doubt that any legal authority will go ahead and support your case if someone decide to use your "template mod" without giving you credit.

Mone'

Well, it does depend. But a copyright really is to prevent somebody stealing and RELEASING your code. Even if it's not a copy, if something is copyrighted it's already been posted and the topic would be gone since a similar mod has already been released.

yep i just looked this up on the copyright site and found this
WHAT WORKS ARE PROTECTED?
Copyright protects "original works of authorship" that are fixed in a tangible form of expression. The fixation need not be directly perceptible so long as it may be communicated with the aid of a machine or device. Copyrightable works include the following categories:

• literary works;
• musical works, including any accompanying words
• dramatic works, including any accompanying music
• pantomimes and choreographic works
• pictorial, graphic, and sculptural works
• motion pictures and other audiovisual works
• sound recordings
• architectural works

These categories should be viewed broadly. For example, computer programs and most "compilations" may be registered as "literary works"; maps and architectural plans may be registered as "pictorial, graphic, and sculptural works."

i also found this


When is my work protected?

Your work is under copyright protection the moment it is created and fixed in a tangible form so that it is perceptible either directly or with the aid of a machine or device.

so basicaly the moment you ceate something its yours:)

I understand the laws of copyrighting. Just seems kinda strang that someone can make a table somewhere on the forums but simply modding one Template and then it theres. When an HTML expert could do that as simple as drinking water.

Heres a good example.... www.zelaron.com is a perfect example. After speaking with Chruser (Owner) for several months now. I found out that about 85% of there hacks that they are using, where all created by WetWired (Zelaron Admin) The portal and there banner hack was created by him. Now there is no Vblite copyright on there page. And what if it works the exact same way vblite does. Well guess your copyright didnt do a lot of anything then has it? I mean how can you really find out that someone is using other codes with out letting them now? You cant find out cause you dont have accest to there PHP files nor there Templates. right?