I hate to do something to distress people, but I think you're begging for this question. Just what legally constitutes a copyright? Can a person merely place the words "Copyright" on a work, or do you really need to file a copyright notice with a government agency? I have a feeling this legal issue is far more complicated than most of us are willing to admit. But if you're going to weild "the law" around like a weapon, then you should know the law. So tell me: "What legally constitutes a copyright?!" Give me some quotes, some links to government web sites, etc.