How to File for a Copyright

Although copyright is automatically given to the creator of an original work, copyright registration establishes a public claim making it easier to prove ownership.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

1. Determine the type of work that you wish to copyright: Works can include musical composition, visual art, book, recipe, multimedia work, etc. Visit the U.S. Copyright Office website to determine the exact category under which your work falls before requesting an application.
2. Contact the U.S. Copyright Office in Washington D.C. to request an application.
3. Fill out the application.
4. Mail the original application along with a $20 filing fee and a copy of the work to be filed in the Library of Congress.
5. You will usually receive a certificate of registration within 6 months.

Tips & Warnings

• Only the expression of an idea or concept is protected under copyright law, not the idea or concept itself.
• Copyright protection lasts for the lifetime of the author, plus 70 years.
• You cannot copyright a name, including the name of a band.
• Make sure to use the appropriate copyright symbol on all publicly distributed copies of your work or you will effectively lose your exclusive right to sell, reproduce and display your work in public. Visit the Copyright Office website to find the right symbol.