Things You'll Need:
- a computer
- an item or items to copyright
- fees
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Step 1
Know the elements. There are three basic elements for submission of a copyright application. These are the completed application form, the filing fee, and the deposit of a copy of the copyrighted material. Of course the filing fee and deposit of the material are non-refundable.
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Step 2
Complete the Application Form. Completing the eCO or electronic copyright form is the less expensive method, and it is available for basic claims.
Basic claims include a single work; multiple unpublished works if they are all by the same author or authors and owned by the same claimant; and multiple published works if they are all first published together in the same publication on the same date and owned by the same claimant.
The eCO is available at the copyright.gov website by clicking on Electronic Copyright Office.
You may opt to complete the CO form, which is obtained from the website and completed on your computer. It is mailed to the Copyright Office, but is easier for them to process because it uses a two-digit barcode technology. This form is available on the copyright.gov website by clicking on FORMS.
Paper versions of some of the forms are still available. These are
Form TX (literary works); Form VA (visual arts works);
Form PA (performing arts works, including motion pictures);
Form SR (sound recordings); and Form SE (single serial issues).
You must request these forms from the Copyright Office. They are not available electronically at this time. -
Step 3
Determine the FEES. The link for fees is available in Resources below, since these are always subject to change. August 1, 2009 is the tentative date for a change in the fees. The fee may be $35 for electronic filing or $65 for paper filing. CHECK to be sure, since it depends upon the Form you need to use as well as how the filing is done.
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Step 4
Provide a copy or copies of the works to be copyrighted. This is what they call a DEPOSIT of the work being registered. You may file an electronic form, and still mail the deposit of the works to be copyrighted.
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Step 5
Know how to pay the fees. You may pay by credit card if you file the eCO form. The only acceptable methods of payment for the CO form are check or money order payable to the Register of Copyrights or use of your personal Copyright Office deposit account.
Telephone requests MAY be payable by credit card for additional certificates, copies of documents and deposits, certifications, search and retrieval of deposits, and expedited processing. Records Research and Certification Section telephone number is 202-707-6787. The basic address is:
Library of Congress
Copyright Office–COPUBS
Publications Section
101 Independence Avenue, SE
Washington, DC 20559-6304
Comments
karileighk said
on 8/1/2009 This is so important.
kristara said
on 8/1/2009 Great intructions! I had no idea how to do this 5*
Psalmist4M said
on 7/31/2009 Fantastic! I've always wondered how it worked. Thanks for share the specific details on How to Apply for a Copyright in the US. Well written and defined. 5*s