legal issues regarding MATLAB document

Hello,

This is not a programming issue. I am going to publish a paper in a journal where i need to use some definitions given in MATLAB's doc file. The paper is on a simulator design based on MATLAB. I guess I need to take permission from Mathworks. But whom should I contact?

If I mention it in the 'references' of my paper will it be sufficient?

Thanks in advance.

-OBLI

[John Petersen]

People specify that they used MATLAB in their research all the time and simply say so in the paper without using a reference. As far as definitions from a Matlab document, I would guess that most of those are in the public domain. Can you be more specific?

[oblivious]

I am designing a simulator using Parallel Computing Toolbox. I need to use the definitions of variable classification (sliced,temporary,reduction etc) given in the doc file.

Answer 1

[Jan]

I suggest to ask [e-mail] - most likely they are not responsible, but they will forward your questions accordingly.

Answer 2

[Walter Roberson]

I'm not finding much when I search.

http://www.mathworks.com/matlabcentral/answers/18336-how-to-cite-a-user-s-guide

Definitions might be based upon well-known concepts, but the expression of concepts is the heart of Copyright law, so if you are directly quoting Mathworks, then you need to cite them. You should, however, not need their permission unless the portion you are quoting forms a "substantial portion" of the work.

Of course it never hurts to ask permission when there is time to do so.