Copyright protects original works of authorship fixed in a tangible medium of expression. While copyright exists automatically upon creation, formal registration with the U.S.
9 steps across 3 sections
1. 2. Prepare Your Application
- Completed application form - identifying the work, author(s), and claimant
- Filing fee - varies by type (see fees below)
- Deposit copy - a nonreturnable copy of the work being registered
2. Before Infringement Occurs
- Public record - Registration creates a public record of your copyright claim
- Prima facie evidence - If registered within 5 years of publication, the registration serves as prima facie evidence of copyright validity in court
- Customs protection - Registered works can be recorded with U.S. Customs to prevent importation of infringing copies
3. Required for Enforcement
- Prerequisite to lawsuit - For U.S. works, registration (or refusal) is required before you can file an infringement lawsuit in federal court
- Statutory damages - If registered before infringement begins (or within 3 months of publication), you can recover statutory damages of $750-$30,000 per work infringed ($150,000 for willful infringe...
- Attorney's fees - Available only if the work was registered before infringement or within 3 months of publication