How to File a Copyright Application With the U.S. Copyright Office
According to the U.S. Copyright Office, a copyright is a grant of a property right “for original works of authorship fixed in a tangible medium of expression.” (See reference 1.) Although copyright laws protect a work from the moment that it has been created and fixed into a format, copyright owners should register their copyrights with the copyright office to enhance legal protection of their works. The office offers three options to register a copyright.
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Instructions
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Register online
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Navigate to the electronic copyright office’s web page to file a copyright application online. Registering online has several advantages, including a lower filing fee and quicker processing. Create an account by filling in the registration form.
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Read through the tutorial before you open the online application. Print out the tips and keep them handy to avoid making any errors.
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3
Complete the online copyright registration form, form eCO.
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Use a credit card to pay the filing fee. The copyright office accepts credit card payments only with form eCO.
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Submit deposit copies of the work. A copyright owner seeking to register his or her copyright must send two copies of “the best edition [of the] work" to the copyright office within three months of publication, according to U.S. copyright law. (See reference 2.) While registering online, you can print a cover memo to send with the copies of the work. Send the deposit copies and memo to: Library of Congress, U.S. Copyright Office, 101 Independence Avenue SE, Washington, D.C. 20599-6222.
Register by mail
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Navigate to the copyright office's forms online page if you prefer to submit a paper registration. Download the PDF file for form CO. Fill in the form online and print out the completed application.
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Mail the completed registration form to: Library of Congress, U.S. Copyright Office, 101 Independence Avenue SE, Washington, D.C. 20599-6222. Pay the filing fee by including a check. The copyright office does not accept credit cards for mail-in applications.
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Enclose the deposit copies or mail them to the same address within three months.
Register in person
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Navigate to the copyright office's forms online page. Download the PDF file for form CO.
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Fill in the form online and print out the completed form. You also may print out a blank form and fill it in by hand.
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Go to the copyright office to submit the registration form, the filing fee and the deposit copies of the work in person. The copyright office is located at 101 Independence Avenue SE, Washington, D.C.
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Tips & Warnings
Registering a copyright has an important legal effect. A registered copyright creates the legal presumption that the copyright is valid, so it may allow you to receive monetary damages without showing that the infringement had an actual financial impact on you.
To warn potential infringers, place a copyright notice in the work. See the copyright office’s circular 3, “copyright notice,” for the proper format and for a list of acceptable places to affix the notice.
Copyright applications are public records, so anyone can view them online and at the copyright office.
