Application "How-To" Manual

What are the copyright or other intellectual property implications for a computer consultant who wants to publish a book explaining how to use a particular computer program? The program is a very high end application that comes with a particular "tool set" and he wants to write a manual explaining how to use these tools to build a program using the software. He says that no other manuals or books have been published on the subject.

Can he use the name of the application as part of the title? Does he have to have the permission of the owner of the (i) copyright in the program and the (ii) trademark in the name to write such a book?

It seems to me that a mechanic should be able to write a book on the maintenance and repair of the Chevrolet 327 cu. in. internal combustion engine and call it "Repairing the Chevrolet 327" without getting GM's permission to do so.

Isn't this the same, or because we're dealing with software, copyrightable subject matter, are there other issues?

Thanks in advance to the list.

Bernard Gerdelman
Paule, Camazine & Blumenthal, P.C.
165 N. Meramec, Ste. 600
St. Louis, Missouri 63105
(314)727-2266 (voice)
(314)727-2101 (fax)

attorney[_at_]i1.net Received on Sat Mar 20 1999 - 22:06:46 GMT