You may be eligible to obtain a copyright if you have produced artistic works in the United States. Such works may include poems, books, song lyrics, screenplays, and musical compositions, among others. The United States Copyright Office will sometimes protect the rights of materials in other countries. Owning the copyright to creative works protects an author or creator in cases of unauthorized reproduction and sales of such materials. If you wish to obtain copyright for any material, then you must register the work with the United States Copyright Office for a $35 fee.
Who Can Register a Copyright?
You can register a copyright if you are the original creator of any artistic work. If you would like to protect your material, then you have a right to register it in the United States. All United States citizens who create original works have the authority to register them. You do not have to be of legal age to register a copyright. Citizens who are younger than 18 can register. However, you must be 18 years of age to conduct certain activities involving the material. In other words, you will not be able to sign a contract that includes payment for the use of such a work.
Do You Have to Register a Copyright?
It is your right to register a copyright, but it is not a mandatory procedure. Registration is a voluntary procedure that you can perform if you have the monetary means and the time to do such. It could give you a peace of mind if you create large volumes of material that need legal protection.
When Does Copyright Take Effect?
You own the copyright to materials the moment you create them. For example, you would own a poem that you write today the minute you are finished typing or writing the last word. However, only a copyright that the United States issues will give you the right to initiate legal proceedings if someone uses your work without your authorization. Legal rights are the most important reasons to pursue registration with the government. You never know when someone may use your work without asking, especially if you place it on the Internet.
Copyright vs. Trademark
Some citizens believe that copyrights and trademarks are interchangeable, but they are not. A copyright protects written work and compositions. A patent protects inventions and ideas for commercial products. A trademark protects items such as logos, symbols, and the goods and services of a company.
How to Register a Copyright
The United States Copyright Office offers easy registration online for a $35 fee. A basic claim consists of rights for a single author on a single work that is not created for hire. Complex applications can cost as much as $55 for the registration. You can obtain rights for literary arts, visual arts, performing arts, sound recordings, and single serials. The application takes approximately five minutes, and you will receive a certificate of copyright in the mail from the copyright office.
