How Do I Copyright My Cartoon Image?

Copyright registration is necessary if you later want to sue for copyright infringement.

Original cartoon images are automatically copyrighted to their creators at the time they are created. However, registration is required to establish a public record of the copyright claim, which is required if the cartoon image is ever stolen and the owner wants to sue for copyright infringement. The U.S. Copyright Office registration process requires an application, fee and "deposit," which is your cartoon submission. There are two ways to register your cartoon image for copyright.

Instructions

Online Registration

1. Save a digital copy of your cartoon image in an accepted image format. The U.S. Copyright Office will take cartoon images saved as .bmp, .gif, .giff, ,pg, .jpeg, .jfif, .pdf, .pic, .pict, .png, .psd, .pub, .tga, .tif, .tiff and .wmf.

2. Change the settings on your computer to work with the U.S. Copyright Office's online application system. Disable your pop-up blocker and any third-party toolbars (e.g., Google Toolbar), and set your security to "Medium."

3. Visit the eCo copyright website (see Resources) and click the option to "Login to eCo." After reading the privacy and security information, click on "Continue to eCo" and register as a new user.

4. Complete the application and pay the fee. Once your fee is paid, the system will ask you to upload the image of your cartoon.

5. Upload your cartoon by clicking on "Submit Your Work" from the payment confirmation page. Then click on "Upload Deposit" and browse to find your cartoon file.

Mail-In Registration

1. Prepare your cartoon for submission. The U.S. Copyright Office will accept your cartoon in a printed or digital (i.e., saved on a CD) format.

2. Visit the U.S. Copyright Office online and click on "Forms." Read the information on the page and then click on "Form CO." Read about the barcode system used to speed up your registration, and then click on "Download Form CO."

3. Complete the Form CO on your computer and then print it out. Mail it along with the registration fee and a copy of your cartoon (referred to as the "deposit") to the U.S. Copyright Office at:
   Library of Congress
   U.S. Copyright Office
   101 Independence Ave. SE
   Washington, D.C. 20559-6211

   (The "6211" flags your submission as a visual art submission).

Tips & Warnings

• Your work is officially registered when it arrives at the U.S. Copyright Office, regardless of when your registration is processed and your certificate is sent.

References

• U.S. Copyright Office: Copyright Basics
• U.S. Copyright Office: Online Registration
• U.S. Copyright Office: Mail-In Forms

Resources

• U.S. Copyright Office: eCO Online System