How to Copyright Data
Technically speaking, a copyright is created once data are collected on a document. However, the copyright for that data is not enforceable unless it is registered with the U.S. Copyright Office.
If the data were collected as a work for hire (that is, the work was commissioned), the copyright lasts for 120 years after the data were first created or 95 years after the information was first published, whichever comes first. Otherwise, the copyright is enforceable for 70 years after the death of the creator.
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Things You'll Need
- Computer with Internet connection
- Valid credit card
- Electronic copy of data
Instructions
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Registering a Copyright
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1
Navigate to the electronic Copyright Office (eCO) section of the U.S. Copyright Office's website (see Resources).
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2
Complete Form CO, providing the information about the copyright holder.
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3
Submit the appropriate fee using a credit card.
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4
Submit an electronic copy of the data in a common format such as XLS or PDF.
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1
Tips & Warnings
If you are registering the copyright by mail instead of online, complete Form CO, pay by check, and send two copies of the data to:
Library of Congress
Copyright Office
101 Independence Avenue, SE
Washington, D.C. 20559-6000
References
Resources
- Photo Credit calculation image by lefty from Fotolia.com
