How to Copyright Movies
When it comes to copyrighting a movie, rules established by the U.S. Copyright Office are fairly straightforward. However, because movies are typically very long in duration, registration using the copyright office's online system may pose certain challenges when it comes to uploading your film. To make sure your movie has federal copyright protection granted to filmmakers with a completed original work, there are certain steps you must follow.
Other People Are Reading
Things You'll Need
- A best edition of your movie as described below
- A mailing box
- A computer with Internet access
- A filing fee of $35
Instructions
-
How to Copyright Movies
-
1
Prepare a "best edition" of your movie in hard copy format. The copyright office has established in order of preference what is considered a "best edition" of video works. Film media is considered better than any other type, and the copyright office prefers, in descending order: a 70 mm print, if the original production negative print is greater than 35 mm; 33 mm positive prints; and 15 mm positive prints. Format types the copyright office accepts are Betacam SP, Digital Beta, DVD and VHS cassette.
-
2
Access the copyright office's eCO system through the link provided below. This automated system will guide you through the online copyright registration process. After you enter basic data, such as the name and format of your creative work and your contact data, you'll be cued to upload digital files of your movie. Acceptable formats are audio video interleave (.avi), Quicktime (.mov), Moving Picture Experts Group (.mpg, .mpeg), a Real Time File (.rm, .rv), Adobe Flash (.swf) and Windows Media video (.wmv).
-
-
3
Pay the online filing fee. The copyright office accepts debit and credit cards and automatic checking account withdrawals.
-
4
Mail your "best edition" copy to the Library of Congress along with a written description of your movie (e.g., synopsis or press booklet). The copyright office advises using a mailing box to avoid damage to your work. These materials should be mailed to U.S. Copyright Office, Library of Congress, 101 Independence Avenue SE, Washington, D.C. 20559-6000.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Uploading your movie can be a cumbersome process--the eCO system times out after 30 minutes of uploading. Additionally, if your movie file is very large, you must break it into smaller files.
Consider simplifying the process by sending in a paper SL-35 application form along with your "best edition" hard copy and written description. A copy of the SL-35 form can be downloaded from the "Registering a Work FAQ" link below. You can pay the processing fee with a check or money order.
Resources
- Photo Credit Ryan Baxter, Photographer (Wiki Commons)
