Member Avatar for tiger86

Okay I want to build a program but I do not want the program to be copyrighted by Microsoft or any other companies. If I use one of their programs then I assume they have control over it and how it is distributed. I read that no one owns c++ but companies sell software of c++ so how do I code without getting caught in the tangled copyright web?

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Short answer: the C++ language itself is a standard, not someone�s property, and using a compiler does not automatically transfer copyright of your source to the tool vendor. That is the point behind and �s replies. A few important caveats and practical steps follow so the situation is clear and safe.

Compilers, libraries and sample code come with licenses. Those licenses determine what you can redistribute (for example, runtime DLLs or bundled libraries). If you build and ship binaries that depend on a vendor runtime, follow that runtime�s redistribution terms. For truly minimal vendor entanglement, use open toolchains such as GCC or Clang/LLVM and open standard libraries; the C++ standard is tracked at isocpp.org and documentation at cppreference.

Also watch for two non-tool issues that commonly surprise people:

  • Employment or contractor agreements can assign copyright to an employer; the tool vendor is not the only potential claimant.
  • Third-party code or binary blobs you include (drivers, firmware, libraries) may carry restrictive licenses that affect distribution.

Practical checklist:

  • Decide what license you want for your own code and add a clear copyright notice.
  • Pick a toolchain whose license matches your goals (open compilers for fewer restrictions).
  • Read the runtime/redistribution terms for any vendor libraries you link to.
  • Avoid including proprietary binaries or check their licenses before distribution.

If building an OS or low-level project, use a cross-toolchain and open libc implementations (or write your own), and verify every third-party component�s license before including it.

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Member Avatar for John A

I don't quite understand what you mean. The full and express editions of Visual Studio permit commercial usage. You won't get "caught in the tangled copyright web" unless you're using a compiler with some special education license, and even then there's usually a way to upgrade it to a full version.

Member Avatar for tiger86

Okay lets say in theory someone built an Operating System with c++ from software they bought from a big company like Microsoft. Could Microsoft somehow claim ownership of the OS?

Member Avatar for John A

No.

Member Avatar for bbqchickenrobot

Microsoft does not own the code you write simply because you used their tool to write it. You are under the wrong perception.

Member Avatar for tiger86

Microsoft does not own the code you write simply because you used their tool to write it. You are under the wrong perception.

Thank you I will now start working on my project I did not want anyone to have the rights to it and wanted to make sure.

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