How to Get a Copyright for a Business

While you can't copyright a business itself, you can copyright the publications of the business, such as written literary works, recordings, and other original creative pieces that can be printed or displayed for viewing. A copyright will most likely be needed if you own a company that is in the business of publishing, whether it be music, books, movies (like instructional DVDs made by your company) or art. If someone uses or attempts to sell your company's publications without your permission, you can sue them in court for monetary compensation, using your copyright registration as the strongest proof for your case.

Instructions

1. Prepare your files. You need to finish the works that you want to copyright, or at least get them to a near-finished draft form before sending in a copyright application. You can also pre-register a work that has not yet been completed online, then complete the full registration when you finish writing the piece. This way you can protect your concept for the publication, at least temporarily.

2. Apply for your copyright online. The U.S. Copyright office has an electronic registration system (see Resources). Click "Register Online" on the homepage and sign up for a copyright account.

3. Fill out the online application. You will be asked specific questions about the publication, including the title, content, author, type of publication (literary work, visual arts work, performing arts work, motion picture/audiovisual work, sound recording or single serial issue) and the date it will be (or has been) published. If registering as an individual you can use your real name or a pen name. If as a business, you can use your business name when registering for a copyright. You need to check the option for "Pseudonymous," which means that you are filing under a fictitious name.

4. Attach the file containing the latest version of the publication that your business wants to copyright to your online application. The easiest format to upload is an Adobe PDF file because none of the formatting will change, but you can upload any word processing file (Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint or similar) if you choose. For artwork, either scan in a copy of the work to a computer image file or take a high quality photograph of the art, then upload the photo with your application. If submitting a computer program you will have to mail in a CD-ROM copy of your work to go with your online application. The same is true for films and musical discs (you can also upload a printed musical score with music notes and words).

   Regardless of whether you send in or upload your files, you are still required to send in two physical copies of your work to the copyright office within three months of the publication date--this is called a "mandatory deposit."

5. Pay for your copyright registration online with a credit card, or mail in a payment to complete your online application (you will be given the direct mailing address upon completion of the online form). As of 2009, copyright registration costs $35 for online registration and $45 for registering through the mail.

6. Wait five months before calling or emailing to inquire about your copyright application. You will receive a copy of your registered copyright for the work in the mail if approved.

Tips & Warnings

• You must copyright each work individually. If you prefer, send in your business copyright application through the mail by printing up the forms that apply to your registration (see direct link to the forms below).

Resources

• U.S. Copyright Office
• Copyright Forms
• More on the Different Types of Published Works