In a message dated 12/10/2003 2:40:50 PM Eastern Standard Time, angelopalm69@inwind.it writes: If anyone have the time to clarify my doubts, it would be very appreciated As of March 1, 1989, for those countries that are participants to the Berne Convention for the Protection of Literary and Artistic Works, it is no longer necessary to include the copyright notice. Should there be a lawsuit, if the mark is present, the defendant can not claim innocent infringement. Placing the copyright notice automatically affords protection to include all those countries that are member states of the Univerasal Copyright Convention. Pragmatically, unless the infringement involves substantial financial damages, it is not worthwhile to fully pursue the legal remedies available. The question of patents, trademarks, plant patents, copyrights, etc. comes up often on the gardening lists. "Patent Law for the Nonlawyer" by Amernick is approachable and is a useful addition to the library (get it used, it's expensive). Mark Mazer Intarsia Ltd. Gaylordsville, Connecticut 06755-0142 USA http://www.therapyshapes.com/ USDA Zone 5 Giant Schnauzer Rescue