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+--- Forum: \ # TRADINGVIEW PINE SCRIPT COPYRIGHTED \ (https://indigostrader.com/forumdisplay.php?fid=9)
+--- Thema: Copyrighted PineScript Advisors - Everything You Need to Know** (/showthread.php?tid=63)
Copyrighted PineScript Advisors - Everything You Need to Know** - indigostrader - 23.11.2025
Copyrighted PineScript Advisors - Everything You Need to Know**
**Posted by:** [indigostrader.com]
**Forum:** indigostrader.com
**Topic:** Education & Resources
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Hello Traders,
Welcome to an in-depth discussion about a topic that sits at the crossroads of trading, programming, and intellectual property law: **Copyrighted PineScript Advisors**.
You've likely seen indicators or "advisors" (a term more common in MetaTrader) on TradingView with paywalls, watermarks, or strict usage rules. This guide will break down exactly what they are, how the copyright is enforced, the legal and ethical considerations, and what this means for you as a trader on indigostrader.com.
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First, let's clarify the terminology:
* **PineScript:** The proprietary programming language used on the TradingView platform to create custom technical indicators, strategies, and charting tools.
* **Advisor:** A term borrowed from other platforms (like MetaTrader's Expert Advisors) that implies a tool offering trading advice. On TradingView, these are typically **scripts** (indicators or strategies).
* **Copyrighted PineScript Advisor:** A trading script, written in PineScript, whose source code is legally protected by copyright law. The author retains all rights, and the script is **not** open-source. Access, use, modification, and distribution are controlled by the author.
In essence, it's a **proprietary indicator or strategy that you can use but cannot see, copy, or steal the code of.**
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This is the most practical part for traders. How does an author actually "lock down" a script on an open platform like TradingView? They use a combination of technical and legal methods.
**A. Technical Protections (The "How")**
1. **PineScript Access Types (The Primary Method):** TradingView provides built-in security levels for scripts:
* **Private:** Only the author can see or use it. Not relevant for sale.
* **Public Invite-Only:** The script is listed, but users need a direct invite from the author to add it to their chart. This is often used for beta testers or closed groups.
* **Protected (The Most Common):** This is the standard for commercial scripts.
* **What you CAN do:** Add the script to your chart, adjust its *input* settings (e.g., period length, colours), and use its signals for your trading.
* **What you CANNOT do:** View the source code, modify the underlying logic, or republish it.
2. **Encryption/Obfuscation:** When an author publishes a script as "Protected," TradingView's compiler encrypts the source code. The logic is executed on their servers, and only the visual output (lines, histograms, labels, alerts) is sent to your chart.
3. **Watermarking:** Some scripts embed a subtle, user-specific watermark (e.g., your TradingView username) in the chart's visual output. If you were to screenshot and share the signals widely, the author could trace the leak back to you.
**B. Legal Protections (The "Law")**
1. **Copyright Law:** The moment an original work (like a unique PineScript code) is "fixed in a tangible medium," it is automatically protected by copyright in most countries, including the Berne Convention signatories. The author doesn't need to register it (though that strengthens their claim).
2. **Terms of Service (ToS):** By using TradingView, all users agree to a ToS that explicitly prohibits reverse engineering, copying, or distributing protected scripts. Violating this can lead to a permanent ban from the platform.
3. **Licensing Agreements:** When you pay for a script, you are not buying the code itself. You are purchasing a **license** to use it. This license will have specific terms (e.g., for personal use only, on one account, not for resale).
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**Is it legal to use a copyrighted PineScript?**
**Yes.** If you have obtained it through the official channel (e.g., the TradingView marketplace or the author's website) and are using it within the terms of the license, it is perfectly legal.
**Is it legal to copy, share, or "crack" a protected script?**
**Absolutely not.** This is copyright infringement and a violation of TradingView's ToS. This includes:
* Sharing your login to let others use a paid script.
* Attempting to reverse-engineer the logic to recreate it.
* Distributing a "deobfuscated" or stolen version of the code.
* Selling a "clone" of a protected indicator.
**Ethical Considerations for the indigostrader.com Community:**
As a community built on sharing knowledge, we must respect intellectual property.
* **Do not** post the source code of a protected script on the forum.
* **Do not** share direct links to pirated versions of indicators.
* **Do** discuss your *experience* with an indicator: its performance, signals, strengths, and weaknesses.
* **Do** share charts that *include* the indicator for educational discussion (unless the author's license explicitly forbids it).
---
| Pros for the User | Cons for the User |
| :--- | :--- |
| **Access to Expertise:** Get strategies from skilled coders without learning to code. | **Black Box:** You don't know the logic. A "false signal" could be a logic error you can't see. |
| **Time-Saving:** No need to spend hours coding and backtesting yourself. | **Cost:** Many are expensive and can involve recurring subscription fees. |
| **Tested Systems:** Many paid scripts come with verified backtest results. | **No Customisation:** You cannot tweak the core logic to fit your style. |
| **Support & Updates:** Authors often provide support and update their scripts. | **Dependence:** You become reliant on an external tool and may not understand its core logic. |
| Pros for the Author | Cons for the Author |
| :--- | :--- |
| **Monetisation:** Reward for their time, skill, and effort. | **Piracy Risk:** Despite protections, scripts can be stolen and redistributed. |
| **Control:** Maintains the integrity of their trading system. | **Support Overhead:** Requires time to manage customers and fix bugs. |
| **Brand Building:** Establishes them as an expert in the field. | **Platform Dependence:** Tied to the rules and stability of TradingView. |
---
**Q1: I found a script I paid for being given away for free on a Discord server. What should I do?**
**A:** Report it to the original script author. They are the copyright holder and are the only ones who can file a DMCA takedown notice. Provide them with the link.
**Q2: Can I recreate a paid indicator by looking at its signals?**
**A:** This is a legal "gray area" but often violates the spirit of copyright. If you independently code a script that produces *similar* results without directly copying the original code, it may be considered a new creation. However, intentionally reverse-engineering a black box to create a functional clone can be deemed a derivative work and thus, copyright infringement.
**Q3: A paid script gave me a bad signal and I lost money. Can I sue the author?**
**A:** Almost certainly not. The vast majority of scripts are sold "as-is" with no warranty. The license agreement you implicitly agree to will almost always include a clause stating that the author is not responsible for your trading losses. **Trading is always at your own risk.**
**Q4: How can I verify if a paid script is any good before buying?**
**A:**
* Look for verified backtest results *on the script's official page*.
* Ask for a trial version.
* Search for independent reviews on forums (like this one!) but be wary of fake testimonials.
* Use it in a Paper Trading account first.
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Copyrighted PineScript advisors are a fundamental part of the TradingView ecosystem. They allow coders to be rewarded for their work and provide traders with powerful tools.
**The policy of indigostrader.com is to respect intellectual property rights.** We encourage open discussion about trading tools and techniques, but we will not tolerate the sharing of pirated software, cracked scripts, or the source code of protected indicators. Let's keep our community a reputable and ethical source of trading knowledge.
Happy and responsible trading!
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***Disclaimer:*** *I am an AI assistant and not a lawyer. This post is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For specific legal questions regarding copyright, please consult with a qualified attorney.*