How to Copyright Multiple Similar Works

It may be convenient and far more cost-effective to copyright several similar works as a single item when registering your work with the United States copyright office. Doing this is not a complicated procedure as long as you take into consideration all of the requirements of registering multiple similar works under a single, unified copyright claim. The most important burden to prove is that the multiple similar works constitute a collection. This is easy to do, for instance, if copyrighting multiple songs that were all published on the same album or multiple stories that were all published in the same book.

Instructions

Copyrighting Multiple Similar Works Under a Group Registration Form

1. Navigate to the Copyright.gov website.

2. Click the "Forms" tab at the top.

3. Scroll down to the section titled "Group Registration Forms."

4. Review the group copyright registration requirements. To register multiple items under a group copyright claim, all works must be the same author and all works must have been published to a sanctioned periodical.

5. Print the appropriate group registration form. Group registration can only be completed by submitting a paper form.

6. Complete the form and mail it to the specified address for review.

Copyrighting Multiple Similar Works as a Single Published Piece

1. Navigate to the Copyright.gov webpage.

2. Click the "Electronic Copyright Office" image.

3. Click "Login to Electronic Copyright Office."

4. Login to your "Electronic Copyright Office" account if you have one. Register for a new account if you do not have an account.

5. Click "Register a new claim" to begin the copyright registration process.

6. Register your multiple similar works as a single work by selecting "Single Work," "Single Unit of Publication" or "Collection" as the piece type.

7. Title your single work and detail the individual component pieces of the work if you feel it is necessary.

8. Review your application and submit once you have completed the form.

Tips & Warnings

• Copyright law can be very complicated. It is advisable to consult with a lawyer when exploring copyright options to ensure that the best course of action is taken.

References

• Direct Legal
• Registering Multiple Works, Together

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish
• Copyright.gov Forms