How to Request a Copyright

The artistic impressions or creative output of an author (whether it is a book, story, or other piece of art) are automatically vested in that author upon creation of the work. By registering for a copyright, an author signals to the world that the work is his and his alone, and that he has the right to fight against future infringement of the work. Here are some relatively easy ways to get a U.S. copyright.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Computer Original work Less than $100 (in most cases) Pencil or pen (if you decide to file off-line)

How to Request a Copyright

1. Understand an artist's creative rights. An artist's creative endeavors automatically are the property of the artist, even without an actual copyright registration. By registering, however, the artist announces to the world that he or she created the work and is protected from potential infringement by others. An exception exists for works created within the scope of employment to others, wherein the copyright may lie with the employer.

2. Request the forms via mail or online. The U.S. Copyright office website has the forms available, as well as answers to many questions about copyrights. By going to the website, you can either fill out the form there or download the application and send it off along with the work you wish to copyright.

3. Fill out the forms. For the most part, the application process is a simple matter of filling out the forms, then sending them in along with the work to be copyrighted and the registration fee.

4. Use an online registration company. There are companies available that will fill out the forms for you, whatever it is you wish to copyright, file them with the U.S. Copyright Office, and send you the registration information.

5. Use an attorney. If the forms or instructions do not make sense to you, an intellectual property attorney can help. Locate them through your local bar association, friends and relatives, or just via the phone book or web.

6. Pay the nominal fee. For most copyrights, when the application is done online, the fee is between $35 and $45. For more complicated works, certain types of works, or if supplemental or amended forms are required, the fees can be higher. The current fee schedules can be checked at the U.S. Copyright website.

References

• U.S. Copyright Office
• Online U.S. Copyright Registration