Copyright Application

Copyrights protect the original works of an author that are fixed in a tangible format. Copyright protection applies to literary works, musical works including lyrics, dramatic works including accompanying music, pantomimes, choreographic works, pictures, graphics and sculptural works, motion pictures, other audiovisual works, sound recordings and architectural works. You CANNOT protect an idea, process, procedure, concept or principle regardless of how it is explained or captured in tangible form.

When a work is created, there is an automatic copyright created with the author of the work. Generally, the author has the exclusive right to reproduce the work, to prepare derivative works, to distribute copies or perform and display the work.

Benefits of a Copyright

When you register a copyright, you are afforded additional benefits that a copyright owner would not otherwise have. Copyright registration provides notice to others that you have a copyright in the work you created. It automatically provides evidence that the copyright is valid (though this can be proven otherwise). Registration of the copyright is required in order to file suit to protect the copyright. It is also required in order to recover statutory damages and attorney's fees. Generally, copyright protection lasts for 70 years after the death of the author/creator.

You can register a copyright at: http://www.loc.gov/index.html electronically for $35. They provide a 45-page guide to work you through the process.

If this is overwhelming, we would be glad to file all the necessary information and send in your book for you. Our Application Fee DOES include the $35 registration fee payment. Attorneys will charge upwards of $250 or more for the service.