How to Register the Copyright Forms in Washington, D.C.
Protecting a piece of intellectual property through a copyright is much simpler than most people believe. An actual filing with the U.S. Copyright office is not necessary, although there are some distinct advantages in doing so, including a presumption as to date of copyright and ownership and the ability to file a lawsuit for copyright infringement. Registering a copyright is so easy that the benefits outweigh any inconvenience.
- Difficulty:
- Moderately Easy
Instructions
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Registering Your Copyright
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1
Point your web browser to the electronic registration section of the U.S. Copyright website.
(see Resource section). -
2
Follow the directions for registration. After registration you will be taken immediately to the eCO screen to register your works.
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3
Disable any popup blockers and third party toolbars in your web browser as these may interfere with the registration process.
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4
Left click on "Register a New Claim" on the menu on the left of the screen to begin the registration process. After you complete your registration you will be taken to Case Status screen.
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5
Left click on "Register a New Claim" located on the menu on the left part of the screen.
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6
Left click on "Start Registration" at the top of the screen.
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7
Select "Type of Work" from pull down menu at bottom of screen. Left click on "Continue" when finished. You will then be taken to the screens to enter information about the work being registered.
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8
Left click on "New" to enter a new title. Choose a "Title Type" from the drop down menu and then enter the "Title of this work" in the box so indicated. Left click on "Save" and then on "Continue".
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9
Select "Yes" or "No" from the drop down menu asking whether the work has been published. If "no", left click "Continue" to save and move on. If the answer is "Yes", enter the appropriate information when prompted and then left click on "Save" and then "Continue".
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10
Left click on "Add Me" then on "Continue" to add your information as the person claiming the copyright.
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11
Follow the prompts to enter the information about previously registered materials. When you finish, or if the work does not contain previously registered material, left click on "Continue".
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12
Left click on "Add Me" on each of the following screens to list yourself as the contact person for the copyrighted material. Left click on "Continue" each time.
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13
Enter the appropriate information on the Certification page to certify that you are the person with the right to copyright the work. Left click on "Continue" when finished.
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14
Enter the payment information for the fee, clicking through to the next screen pursuant to the directions. The U.S. Copyright Office allows several methods of payment including electronic draft, debit cards, credit cards, and others.
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15
Upload the file containing the work to be copyrighted by following the on screen directions. At the end of the process you will be sent an email confirming payment and receipt of the uploaded file.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit copyright image by cam422 from Fotolia.com
