I agree with Craig. Software code is just like other intellectual property. You can go through the laborious registering process, but all it does is 'stamp' the fact that this code was shown as written by you at a certain point in time.

The alternative that I use, for this and writing projects (actually had a film produced years ago) is to send the code to myself by Registered Letter. In this way, I get a letter with date stamps on the outside and on the seals. You then put this in a safe deposit box and it doesn't get touched until such time as you need to bring it to court. You must NOT open the envelope! That's the key proof of when you wrote the code.

My attorney friends tell me this will cover most instances of 'who wrote it first'. Of course, if MSFT boosts it, bring lots of lawyers.

- John Kiernan