How do I register my copyright?

To register a copyright, a specimen of the work must be filed with the U.S. Copyright Office and various forms must be completed and submitted to the Copyright Office. We will file the associated paperwork with the federal government. After the forms are filed, a certificate of copyright registration will issue generally within three to nine months from the date of filing.

When should I register my copyright?

Generally, it is best to register your copyright as soon as possible. If the author does not register the copyright by the earlier of three months after the work has been published or before the work is infringed, the author will not be eligible for statutory damages. Statutory damages may be as high as $150,000 for each infringing act and attorneys’ fees.

May I combine several works into one registration?

If the works have not been published, it is likely possible to file for a compilation copyright for all the works in a single application. If the works have been published, registration must be for each individual work.