Copyright Registration

How do I register my copyright?

To register a copyright, we need a specimen of the work to file with the U.S. Copyright Office and some information from you. 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 3 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 attorney’s fees.

May I combine several works into one registration?

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