How to Go About Getting Artwork Copyrighted

Original artwork is automatically protected under U.S. law.

Original artwork, which includes paintings, photographs, drawings and sculptures, is automatically protected by U.S. copyright law. Your artwork legally belongs to you and you have the right to sue for copyright infringement if someone reproduces it without your permission. This applies even if you sell your work, unless you sell the copyright as well. However, putting a copyright symbol next to your online and published work and registering your work with the U.S. Copyright Office will give you a more watertight case if you ever do have to instigate legal action. You can register your artwork with the U.S. Copyright Office online for $35, as of 2011.

Things You'll Need

• United States Copyright Office registration form

Instructions

1. Insert the © copyright symbol next to your artwork. This is useful if you display your work online or publish it in books or magazines because it reminds people that it's illegal to reproduce your work. It also gives you a stronger case if someone infringes your copyright and you take him to court. See resource information for how to create the copyright symbol on a text document or website.

2. Write your name and the year you created the artwork next to the image and the copyright symbol when you publish it or reproduce it online. This makes it clear you are the sole owner and creator of the work.

3. Register your artwork. Download a visual arts registration form from the U.S. Copyright Office website at www.copyright.gov or call [phone] and leave a recorded message to request a paper application form. Registering your work creates a public record, giving you a stronger case if you take someone to court. It is also a prerequisite for beginning legal proceedings against someone for infringing your copyright. Registering your work before any problems occur gives you more legal rights if you do sue someone and often increases the amount of damages you can claim.

4. Follow the step-by-step instructions provided by the U.S. Copyright Office for the visual artwork registration form. You will have to submit copies of your work. The number of copies you must send varies, depending on the nature of your work and whether it has been published. Doing this makes artwork, such as photographs, slides and drawings clearly identifiable.

References

• Emptyeasel.com: Copyright Information for Artists: How Copyright Laws Protect Your Art
• Direct Art: Art and Copyright; Anastasia Winslow
• United States Copyright Office: U.S. Copyright Office Forms
• United States Copyright Office: Registration of Visual Arts
• United States Copyright Office: Copyright Registration for Works of the Visual Arts

Resources

• United States Copyright Office: Form VA
• Copyright Authority: The Copyright Symbol Webpage