How to Copyright Something in the State of Minnesota

If you have created something in Minnesota that you need to copyright, you have to do so through the U.S. Copyright Office. Regardless of what state you are in, all copyright requests in the United States must go through the U.S. Copyright Office. When you copyright something, the copyright is valid for your life plus 70 years. Things that can be copyrighted include songs, movies, books, photographs and drawings. Ideas, names and titles cannot be registered with the copyright office.

Instructions

1. Use the U.S. Copyright Office website to download the copyright form CO or to create an online account for copyright registration.

2. Complete the copyright form online or on paper by selecting your type of work, such as literary or performing arts, entering the name of the work, the date of creation, the author information and the claimant information. If you are the author, then you just re-enter your information under the claimant section. Be sure to fill out the last section on where to mail the copyright certificate.

3. Submit your copyright form by mail or online with the filing fee. As of May 2010, the fee is $35 for online filing and $50 for filing by mail. Refer to page one of the Form CO Instructions to get the appropriate address to send in your copyright form, if you are completing the paper form.

References

• CC Business: How To Copyright Work In The United States
• US Copyright Office: FAQs

Resources

• US Copyright Office: Register Works Online
• US Copyright Office: Online Services
• US Copyright Office: Form CO
• US Copyright Office: Form CO Instructions