Copyrights
To register a copyright a person can go to the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office website and file online, or contact a skilled copyright attorney. Copyright is an important commercial property protection and to register one’s copyright is often important to commercial viability for people in creative oriented work. Register copyright as early as possible when using these materials in interstate commerce. To register just means that you have filed the registration for your copyright with the federal government. A lawyer who helps you register copyright can usually also help you register a trademark.
For assistance with your case, click here to find Register Copyright Attorneys near you or find an attorney in a different state.
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Frequently Asked Questions
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What Is Public Domain?
An item that is in the public domain can be used by anyone without violating a copyright, for free. The simplest way to determine if something is in the public domain is to examine who … more -
Where Can I Get Application Forms?
You may get forms from the U.S. Copyright Office in person, by mailing in a request, by calling our 24hoursperday forms hotline: (202) 7079100, or from the Copyright web site at … more -
When Will I Get My Certificate?
The time the Copyright Office requires to process an application varies; depending on the amount of material the Office is receiving. You may generally expect a certificate of registration within … more
Legal Articles
- Protect the Intellectual Property in Your Business
The largest companies in the world today owe their value not only to the property they own or the property they manufacture, but also to their "intellectual property" - the ideas they create. Microsoft’s value is not based just on the number of DVDs it sells, but the computer code that is on those DVDs. Google’s value exists because of patents that … more - Register a Copyright in Your Literary Work!
Every original literary work may register for a copyright with the Library of Congress. This includes award winning novels, multimillion dollar movies, a large daily newspaper and other literary works. Literary works may be published or unpublished and include nondramatic textual works with or without illustrations. Computer programs and databases also are considered literary … more
How-To's
- How To Register Serials and Periodicals with the Copyright Office
A copyright is granted by the Library of Congress for all original artistic works. Use these steps to register a copyright for a serial or periodical work. Step 1 Determine if it is a serial or periodical. Different types of works require different steps. A serial work is issued or intended to be issued in successive parts and usually bears volume designations and are intended to … more - How to Register a Literary Work with the Copyright Office
A copyright is granted by the Library of Congress for all original artistic works. Use these steps to register a copyright for a literary work. Works do not have to be published to be granted a copyright. Step 1 Determine if it is a literary work. Different types of works require different steps. A literary work is a textual work which may be fiction or non-fiction and may or … more
Legal Guides
- Works Made for Hire Under the 1976 Copyright Act
- Copyright Basics
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Stop Fakes .Gov - Frequently Asked Questions (USPTO)
This pamphlet includes important information about the threat of piracy and counterfeiting and … more - Protect Your Intellectual Property: Stop Trade in Fakes!
