Getting Copyright Protection

Copyright protection occurs and applies automatically on creation. If you want futher assurance, you can regatister your work and add a copyright notice.

Registration is not necessary, but is highly recommended.

If there is an infringement, registered work is easier to litigate - in fact, you canno take a copyright lawsuit if you haven't registered your work. Registration makes it much easier to prove you own the copyright you are claiming, and the date you claim it from. Litigation usually means you are eligible for certain monetary damages and reimbursement of attorney's fees if you've registered.

To register your copyrights on-line:

1. Go to United States Copyright Office Web Site
2. Select CORDS (Copyright Office Electronic Registration, Recordation and Deposit System).
3. Follow the steps

To register your copyright manually:

1. Go to United States Copyright Office Web Site
2. Select Application Forms
3. Download the forms you require, complete and return by regular mail.

NOTES

You may register a series of graphics for one low fee of $20, so many graphic designers register their weekly or monthly works in one hit.

The standard internationally recognized copyright notice looks like this: © Electrosmart Ltd. You may also add the words: "All rights reserved."

Next: How Long Do Copyrights Last?

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