Tech Tip How to Register a Copyright

Tech Tip
How to Register a Copyright
The process of registering a copyright differs considerably depending
on the type of work created. To find the links below to related
information from the U.S. Copyright Office's Copyright Basics
Circular 1, go to:
http://usgovinfo.about.com/gi/dynamic/offsite.htm?site=http://www.loc
.gov/copyright/circs/circ1.html
• Copyright Information Circulars and Factsheets
Available as either text or .pdf files, these publications
explain all phases and procedures of securing a copyright.
• Copyright Office Fees
Fees effective as of July 1, 1999.
• Copyright Office Forms
A different form is required for each category of creative
work. Be sure to read the instructions for filling out and
submitting the forms.
• How to "Secure" a Copyright
An explanation of how copyrights are automatically secured
at the time a work is created, and exactly when that is.
• U.S. Copyright Laws
Available individually or as a complete set in .pdf and text
formats.
• Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to questions commonly received by the Copyright
Office.
For More Information
You can call the Copyright Public Information Office at (202) 707-
3000, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. eastern time, Monday through Friday,
except federal holidays. Or, you may write for information to:
Library of Congress
Copyright Office
101 Independence Avenue, S.E.
Washington, D.C. 20559-6000