How to Copyright a Website

A copyright legally protects works of original authorship fixed in tangible form. The law protects a website's text, artwork, music, and audiovisual material. It does not protect ideas, procedures, systems or methods of operation. Set out below are the steps to copyright a website.

Instructions

1. Look up Circular 66 on the Copyright Office's website (see Resources below). This is the document that describes how to copyright a website. It also sets out the detailed explanation for each of the following steps.

2. Complete and sign an application. There are several application forms depending on the fixed tangible form of work. Use Form TX for most of the "text" on the website. If you have pictures that need to be copyrighted, use Form VA. Form PA should be used for audio visual products.

3. Copy the "Deposit." The Deposit is the work that you wish to be copyrighted. The Copyright Office will accept website deposits in either two forms. The first is on a computer disc or CD-ROM containing the entire work and a representative portion of the original work in hard copy. The second way to submit the deposit is through a "nondigital copy of the entire work." Print off the website.

4. Get a check or money order payable to Register of Copyrights. The fees are set out on the Copywriter Office's website.

5. Mail a completed and signed application form, the deposit and a nonrefundable filing fee to Library of Congress, Copyright Office, 101 Independence Avenue SE, Washington, D.C. 20559-6000.

Resources

• The U.S. Copyright Office website