I searched about copyright of programming languages and about C language i didn't see copyright notice for that, So I want to know is there any copyright for that or not? and there is no terms and conditions or limitations for using this language? In fact, I wanted to know that the C language has its own terms of use (regardless of the compilers ToU) that make a person no longer able to program in that language due to its violation of terms of use, I think this is not and this language does not have certain conditions for use and can be used under any circumstances unless the user is limited to the terms of the compiler which he use, It's right?
1 Answers
Copyright covers works of authorship fixed in a tangible medium of expression and within the subject matter of copyright.
This means a language can't be Copyrighted.
The standard can be Copyrighted. The ISO/IEC owns that Copyright.
Compilers can be Copyrighted. gcc, clang, VC are all Copyrighted.
But anyone can create a their compiler. If you write one, that is your program and its Copyright would belong to you as the author (unless it's a work for hire).
Trademark is another story. Trademarks apply to identifiers (names, logos, etc). It's a consumer protection law.
I don't believe "C" is trademarked. A trademark would prevent others from saying they have a C compiler even if it was able to compile C programs, unless they first obtained permission (i.e. a license).
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