In message <1.5.4.16.19970316175523.2dafeace@mail.wantree.com.au>, Mike writes >Has anyone considered where the career of the sub contractor (even at $25/Hr) >stands if they supply all the source code etc without any covering letter >from the subcontractor to the employer in respect of copyright ? > >For example if the copyright is transferred with the source (without any >reservations) than the employer can make the claim that the subcontractor >cannot again (ever) work on anything that looks like the job just finished >unless the subcontractor has permission - since copyright has been given away >for the paltry sum of $25/Hr ? > >So guys - do the 'professionals' supply a covering letter with the source code >to the effect that 'copyright' is reserved or do the 'professionals' not >let any source code leave their premises - and only supply binaries ? In the UK, anything written is automatically copyright, in the name of the author. Presumably, under US law, a simple copyright statement in the source code would suffice. Leon -- Leon Heller, G1HSM leon@lfheller.demon.co.uk Tel: +44 (0) 118 947 1424 (home) +44 (0) 1344 385556 (work)