How to Copyright Videos

After creating a video it is automatically copyrighted. However, in order to prevent anyone from stealing your work or idea you will need to be able to prove in a court of law that you hold the copyright. You do this by registering your video with the U.S. Copyright Office. This will show proof of when the video was made and when it was officially copyrighted.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Fill out the application to copyright your video. The application can be found on U.S. Copyright Office Web site (See below under "References").

2. Place on the application the first and last name of the creator of the video, the title of the work, the nature of the work, when it was created, and the signature of the creator. The application should be filled out with complete detail in order to have accurate information on file.

3. Prepare to mail a copy of your video. The video that you want copyrighted should be protected with bubble wrap or a box. Make sure you keep the original copy of your video.

4. Send in the application with a copy of your video and the $35 fee to copyright office. The address is U.S. Copyright Office, 101 Independence Ave. S.E., Washington, D.C. 20559-6000.

Tips & Warnings

• Make sure that your video is well protected so that it will not be ruined by the time it gets to the copyright office.

References

• copyright form
• copyright information