How to Copyright a Resume

A copyright covers both published and unpublished works of expression. It is an intellectual property protection given by the U.S. Constitution for original works, including resumes. The moment your resume is completed, however, it is under copyright protection. While registration is needed in order to file a lawsuit, it is not necessary under normal circumastances.

Instructions

1. Submit a completed copyright form. You can get all forms on the U.S. Copyright website or by contacting the office by mail (See Resources). Do not make copies of the Form CO; it contains 2-D bar codes specific to what you fill in online.

2. Pay the non-refundable filing fee of $35 if you register online and and $45 if you register with a paper application. If you file online you can register by credit card, but credit cards are not an acceptable form of payment by mail.

3. Prepare your resume. You must send in your resume along with registration. The copies will not be returned if submitted by mail. As you are submitting a resume, a hard copy will not be required by the Library of Congress.

4. Edit your resume for privacy. You are creating a public record by registering your resume. All information on your resume will become public knowledge, so if you don't want certain information shared, you should not include it on your resume.

5. Wait for approval. Approval times vary. According to the U.S. Copyright Office, ninety percent of online filers should receive a certificate of registration within six months of submission; one-third should receive a certificate within ten weeks of submission. Ninety percent of Form CO filers should receive a certificate within eight months of submission; one-third should receive a certificate within five months. Ninety percent of paper filers should receive a certificate within eighteen months of submission; one-third should receive a certificate within twelve months.

Tips & Warnings

• The practice of sending a copy of a document to yourself is known as the "poor man's copyright," however, there is no legal basis in copyright law regarding this practice.

References

• U.S. Copyright Office
• How long does the registration process take?

Resources

• U.S. Copyright Office
• Registration Procedures
• Application Forms
• Request Forms by Mail