How to Copyright Sculptures
Sculpture falls into the visual works category of copyright protection, specifically under the "pictorial, graphic and sculptural works" designation. Copyright is automatic; once a sculptor creates an original piece, the copyright belongs to the sculptor (or the commissioner of the work, if the piece was created on commission) without the sculptor doing anything else. However, you can register with the U.S. Copyright Office for a certificate of registration, which is necessary in order to open an infringement case.
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Instructions
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Registration
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Go to the Copyright Office's website and click on the "Electronic Copyright Office" icon to the right of the "About Copyright".
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2
Sign up for an account. The account wizard will ask you for your personal information and then take you to the certificate of registration application.
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3
Complete the certificate of registration application form. A series of prompts will appear and ask you for the piece's title, date of creation, type of work (visual) and your citizenship and personal information such as your address and age.
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4
Pay the $35, as of 2010, online registration fee. The Copyright Office accepts all major credit and debit cards, as well as a number of online bank accounts.
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5
Upload pictures of the sculpture.
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Wait a maximum of six months for the official certificate of registration to arrive in your mailbox.
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Tips & Warnings
Submit clear and detailed pictures of the sculpture. The pictures should capture the entire surface area of the sculpture and all details.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit sculpture image by pearlguy from Fotolia.com
