For the purpose of this question, please assume the following definition of a web template:
An adaptive shell giving a user the means to create a multitude of web pages. Each with a similar look and feel with a minimal amount of coding. Accomplished by separating content from the delivery mechanism. The shell consists an HTML/XHTML front-end that is generated in part or wholly by a back-end script. A web template has the following 4 components: design (look and feel), content, front-end (HTML), back-end (JavaScript, Perl, etc...)

This is in response to my own growing curiosity of what the seemingly all inclusive copyright line at the bottom of most pages means.
Example: Copyright (c) 2002 - John Doe - All Rights Reserved.

Simply, I would like to know what the scope of such a line is?

The answer may be as simple as "the scope is all inclusive". Although, I suspect that the answer might be more complicated than that.

If it is indeed more complex, how does copyright affect all parts of a web template:
- to what extent is the overall design, look, and feel of a web template copyrighted?
- who owns the content of a web page that uses a web template?
- who owns, if anyone, the HTML front-end of a web template?
- who owns, if anyone, the back-end of a web template?

And finally, should a template, with all components of it, be considered as one object subject to copyright, or should only certain parts be copyrightable?

Arashi

I'm sure Edison turned himself a lot of colors before he invented the lightbulb. - H.S.

In reply to A question of copyright law an how it affects web templates by arashi

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