How to Copyright a Mod

Serious gamers frequently create modifications, or "mods" for video games. This article describes how to obtain a copyright for a mod.

A copyright for a mod (a modification, usually to a video game) can be registered either online or by mail. In order for a copyright to be granted, the mod must be in compliance with the original work's license; that is, if the company that copyrighted a video game does not allow copyrighted mods, a copyright may not legally be registered.

If a copyright is obtained for the mod, it is good for 70 years after the death of the creator, or, if the mod was a work for hire, 120 years after creation or 95 years after publication, whichever comes first.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Copyright forms
• Payment
• Copy of the mod

1. Fill out the appropriate form. If registering a copyright online, use Form CO from the electronic Copyright Office (eCO) (see Resources). If registering by mail, use either Form TX (literary works) or its replacement, Fill-in Form CO.

2. Attach the mod. If registering the copyright for a mod online, submit in a common document format such as txt, doc or pdf. If registering for a copyright by mail, attach two printed copies of the mod.

3. Submit payment. If registering the copyright online, pay by credit card. If registering by mail, submit a check or money order for the appropriate amount, which varies depending on the form used.

4. Submit the materials described in steps one through three to:

   Library of Congress
   Copyright Office
   101 Independence Avenue, SE
   Washington, D.C. 20559-6000

Tips & Warnings

• If registering the copyright online, skip step four.

References

• US Copyright Law, Title 17

Resources

• US Copyright Office
• electronic Copyright Office
• Fill-in Form CO
• Request for Form TX