diff --git a/COPYING b/COPYING
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..f4f5db7
--- /dev/null
+++ b/COPYING
@@ -0,0 +1,5 @@
+This software has been placed into the public domain.
+
+This software is "as is", and has no warranty of any kind.  The
+authors assume no responsibility for the consequences of any use of
+this software.
diff --git a/README b/README
index 8fab5b7..26e4fea 100644
--- a/README
+++ b/README
@@ -16,3 +16,7 @@ recommended for legacy uses or uses which do not require a
 cryptographically secure hash.  Use one of the newer SHA-2 and SHA-3
 secure hash standards, or whatever is currently deemed
 cryptographically secure for all other uses.
+
+This software is "as is", and has no warranty of any kind.  The
+authors assume no responsibility for the consequences of any use of
+this software.