Copyright Registration

Copyrights support a capitalist economy by helping the creators of original forms of expression receive the beneficial advantages of their work. The Copyright Office at the Library of Congress is responsible for cataloging all active copyrights in the United States. more »

Although U.S. law states an "automatic copyright" applies once a work is created in a fixed medium, a formal copyright creates a public declaration of ownership for work of an artistic or intellectual nature. The following information is only a brief overview of the basics of obtaining a copyright. more »

It's not necessary to register an original musical composition to have a copyright. It is, however, necessary to have the work registered in order to file a suit in federal court to enforce a copyright. For a piece of music, copyright can be granted for both the composition and for specific recorded performances, which are counted as... more »

From the moment of its creation, an original work of music is the intellectual property of its author. Copyright for a piece of music can be granted for both the composition and for specific recorded performances, which are counted as two separate copyrights. Though registering to obtain copyright protection for music is voluntary,... more »

The ever-increasing and common usage of quality, affordable digital cameras has flooded the media environment with photographic imagery. The business realm of photography has shifted from a seemingly closed society to a viable means of financial growth for professionals, hobbyists and in some cases, complete novices. With increased... more »