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If there is a copyright included in the program sources, why are you
assuming it is public domain? Without evidence to the contrary, such as
an explicit statement that the program has been dedicated to the public, the
assumption should be that it is *not* public domain. That being the case,
a reference to the copyright holder is called for.
Perhaps you mean the copyright holder has given specific permission for
people to use the program without charge. In such cases, the copyright
holder is merely desiring wide, public use of their product, not giving
up other rights of copyright, such as derivative works, distribution, etc.
Mike
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Mike Showalter voice: (206) 562-3000
Information Services Specialist fax: (206) 562-4822
NorthWestNet e-mail: mike -at- nwnet -dot- net
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On Mon, 23 Aug 1993, Irene Plokar wrote:
> Can anyone help me out? I'm currently working on a manual that makes
reference
> to a public-domain software program (in this case called VOGL). The program
> sources include a Copyright page which states the following:
> "Copyright (C) 1991, 1992 The University of Melbourne. Department of
> Engineering."
> Since it is a public-domain program, must I include the above copyright
acknow-
> ledgment in my documentation, or is no reference necessary?
