How to Copyright Text

You no longer need to place the copyright sign on your work for protection.

Copyright offers protection for authors and creators but was originally formed with the main function of promoting new creation. Copyright law has evolved over time to the point where you no longer need to register for copyright for basic protection. Once you fix your work of art in a tangible form, it is automatically copyrighted. Obtaining official copyright within the first 5 years of creation, however, can bolster your copyright if someone challenges it in a court of law.

Things You'll Need

• Application
• Copy of document
• Fee

Instructions

1. Check that your text is copyrightable. Your text needs to be written on paper or some other medium. It cannot be a phrase, idea, method or process. For text, this means that literary works of original authorship will be eligible for copyright.

2. Fill out the application for copyright meticulously, either online or on paper. Online applications have a lower filing fee and a faster processing time, as well as a status updates.

3. Fix your work in a tangible form that matches your application if you have not done so. For example, if you file online, create a copy of your document in a word processing program. If you already have a copy on your computer and want to send in a hard copy, print out the computer version.

4. Submit your application and document either by mail or online. Do not forget to attach the payment as well, because the office will not process your request without the fee. For the online application, you can pay by credit or debit card. For a hard copy application, pay by check or money order made out to "Register of Copyrights."

Tips & Warnings

• The address to send a mail application is:

• Library of Congress

• Copyright Office-COPBUS

• 101 Independence Ave. SE

• Washington, DC 20559

References

• Copyright FAQ: Copyright in General
• United States Copyright Office: Copyright Basics
• Legal Zoom: Copyright Education Center