How to Copyright Books, E-Books, and MP3s
Almost anyone with access to a computer can create books, e-books and MP3 audio recordings. Obtaining copyrights for your books, e-books and MP3 audio recordings gives you the authentic seal of ownership and credibility for your creations. Copyrights can be easily obtained through the e-copyright system online.
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Instructions
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File by Mail
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Open your Internet browser and go to the U.S. copyright site (see Resources for the link).
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Click the "Electronic Copyright Office" link on the right side of the page.
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Scroll down the page and select the "Form CO" link. You'll be redirected to a new page that will display a form download link.
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Click the Form CO download link to obtain the copyright application form.
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Fill out the required information regarding yourself, plus your book, e-book or MP3. Print out your completed application.
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Prepare the copyright filing fee of $50 (as of June 2010) to accompany the completed copyright application form. The filing fee should be payable to "Register of Copyright."
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Provide a certified copy of the completed book, e-book or MP3 audio recording with the application form and filing fee.
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Mail your completed copyright application package to the Library of Congress Copyright Office in Washington, D.C. (See Tips for the full address).
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Provide the specified zip code extension for the creative work you want to copyright. Use 6222 for Literary Works, including books and e-books, or 6237 for sound recordings.
Online Filing for eBooks and MP3 Audio Recordings
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Log in to the Electronic Copyright Office (eCO). (See Resources for a link.)
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Click the online "Form CO" once you have logged into your eCO account. Complete the online copyright application to begin registering your works. You will be directed to a payment screen to complete the application and copyright processing.
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Select the "Pay.gov" link on the redirect page to attach the payment for your application and copyright processing fee.
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Click the "Browse" button on your eCO account home screen to upload the appropriate eBook file or MP3 sound recording file to attach it with the application for processing.
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Tips & Warnings
The Copyright Office's physical address is:
Library of Congress
Copyright Office
101 Independence Avenue, SE
Washington, D.C. 20559.
This is the mailing address where your completed copyright application package should be sent.
Make sure you keep the money order receipt for the copyright filing fee.
Always send your material via certified mail to ensure that it arrives at the Copyright Office.
If you are not registered with the U.S. copyright site you must create an account for online copyright registration (see Resources for registration link and details).
References
Resources
- Photo Credit black copyright symbol image by Angie Chauvin from Fotolia.com
