You do not need to apply or register to get copyright protection. Actually, you receive copyright protection when you create the work. The instant you use your pencil, typewriter, or computer to produce something original, it is subject to copyright protection provided it is a copyrightable subject matter. However, registering your work with the Copyright Office expands your protections and oftentimes, this can be done without disclosing the entire work. Depositing a copy of your work with the U.S. Copyright Office within 90 days of creation also protects your work by providing a legal record of the creation date and allowing others to have notice of your ownership rights, solidifying your copyright protection.
The first, and most important requirement for copyright protection is placing a copyright notice on the work. A copyright notice contains the copyright symbol, which appears as: ©. The copyright symbol is followed by the year of publication. The year of publication can be either the year the work was actually completed or the year that is was distributed to the public. After the year, give the author’s name or company name of the copyright owner. An example of a completed copyright notice would be: © 2011 Joe Somebody. In order for a copyright to be considered valid, the notice must be placed in an easily seen location within your published work. The most common places for copyright notice include: the title page of a book, the homepage of a website, or the cover of a CD.
While the courts do not require registration for copyright protection, it does ensure that should anyone ever violate your copyright, your claim will not be placed under scrutiny. There are three elements required in order to register your copyrighted work with the copyright office.
If you need additional help with your copyright to ensure copyright protection, an attorney that specializes in copyright law can help. To locate a copyright attorney, visit your state bar association.