How to Obtain a Free Copyright

Visual, literary, musical, digital, architectual and other types of work are covered by copyright.

Copyright is automatic; once a creator generates an original work, the copyright belongs to the creator without the creator doing anything else. Hence, in theory, obtaining a copyright is automatically free. However, many people choose to register their copyright, because a certificate of registration serves as evidence in court and is necessary if you plan to sell the copyright. The U.S. Copyright Office charges $35 for online registration and has no fee waiver program.

Things You'll Need

• Your original work
• Personal information

Instructions

Automatic Copyright

1. Create a new and original work.

2. Receive copyright of your new and original work automatically.

3. Keep records showing when and how you created the work if you do not plan to register it with the Copyright Office. Personal records do not have the same legal standing that a certificate of registration does, but if your copyright is challenged in court, personal records are better than nothing.

Registering Your Copyright

1. Go to the website of the U.S. Copyright Office and click on the Electronic Copyright Office icon to the right of "About Copyright."

2. Create an account using your personal contact information.

3. Complete the application form. A series of pages will come up with prompts and will ask you to enter the title of the work, year of creation, first publication date (if any), type of work (literary, musical, visual), your nationality and other personal information about you and your contribution to the work. There are also options to add other authors.

4. Pay the $35 fee with a card or from a bank account.

5. Upload a digital copy of the work and wait a maximum of six months for the official certificate of registration.

References

• U.S. Copyright Office: eCO and Tutorials
• U.S. Copyright Office: Registering a Work FAQs
• Harvard Business School: Copyright Law in the U.S. and E.U.