Process for Registering a Copyright
How to Register a Copyright with the USCO
Written by Jason Gordon
Updated at November 30th, 2020
- Accounting, Taxation, and Reporting
-
Law, Transactions, & Risk Management
Government, Legal System, Administrative Law, & Constitutional Law Legal Disputes - Civil & Criminal Law Agency Law HR, Employment, Labor, & Discrimination Business Entities, Corporate Governance & Ownership Business Transactions, Antitrust, & Securities Law Real Estate, Personal, & Intellectual Property Commercial Law: Contract, Payments, Security Interests, & Bankruptcy Consumer Protection Insurance & Risk Management Immigration Law Environmental Protection Law Inheritance, Estates, and Trusts
- Marketing, Advertising, Sales & PR
- Business Management & Operations
- Economics, Finance, & Analytics
- Professionalism & Career Development
- Courses
What is the process for registering a copyright?
Copyright registration is done through the US Copyright Office (USCO). It can be completed either electronically or through the mail. The process requires the completion of the specific forms applicable to the type or category of copyrightable work. These forms lay out the required material for each type of copyright. Once all required material is delivered, the USCO will review it and, if acceptable, issue a certificate of copyright.
Note: The holder of a copyright can also file the copyright registration with the US Customs Service in an effort to prevent the importation of infringing work.
Next Article: Who Can Claim Copyright Protection? Back to: INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY LAW
Discussion: Can you think of any benefits associated with filing a copyright? (Hint: Think about the benefits of registering other types of intellectual property.)