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Step 1
Visit the U.S. Copyright office's website (see "Resources" for a link).
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Step 2
Click "Register Online" and then on to "Electronic Copyright Office." You will be brought to a place where you can register to submit your copyright (and future ones) online.
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Step 3
Once you are logged in, click "Register a New Claim" then "Start Registration." (If you need clarification about what type of work you are registering, go to " Complete an Application" before starting the application.) Answer the questions asked about the work you are registering for a copyright. You will be asked for information about yourself and your creation, including the type of work you are registering, the title name, authors and when the work is being published (if it hasn't been published already.) You will be asked to upload a copy of your work for filing with the U.S. Copyright office.
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Step 4
Pay the fees for registering your copyright. You will be sent a confirmation of your registration and notified when the case is closed (copyright filed).
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Step 1
First download the form you need to register a copyright. Click "Forms" on the front page, "Form CO" on the next page and then "Download Form CO."
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Step 2
Complete the fill-in form and then print it (you usually can't save the filled-out form on your computer).
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Step 3
Make a copy of the work that you want to copyright. The office needs this information to properly file the copyright. Wrap it securely along with the finished form. Send the form and the copy of your work in with the copyright fee. Ship it certified mail if you want to make absolutely sure that it was received safely by the U.S. Copyright office.
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Step 4
Wait at least eight months to receive confirmation that your work has been copyrighted when you file through the mail before calling to inquire about the registration. The online process is a little shorter.
