Registering Your Copyright

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Do you need to register your copyright?

While authors and creators are not explicitly required to register their copyright, it is highly recommended if you want to receive to protect your copyright when faced with infringement. In other words, no you do not have to register. But, if your work is stolen without registering your work with the copyright office, you cannot take legal action in U.S. courts. 

Once your work is fixed in a tangible medium (or perceptible with the aid of machine or device) your copyright is protected. But as mentioned previously, you cannot start an infringement lawsuit without registration. It is in your best interest to register your work as soon as you can so you are eligible for all the rights and possible legal action. For example, your copyright must be registered within three months of publication if you would like to be eligible for statutory damages up to $150,000 and attorney's fees pertaining to the infringement case.

How to register your copyright?

Registering your work is fairly simple, but it does cost you money upfront that is non-refundable. The registration is activated on the date that the copyright office receives all required documents and payments. You can submit all of your materials online or mail in physical copies.

1. Complete the registration application form (I recommend submitting the application online to save money. Online registration costs $45 and print registration costs $125).

2. A filing fee for online or paper forms

3. Multiple copies of the work you are trying to register. (Typically two copies for published works and one copy for unpublished works. *These copies will not be returned)