How to register for U.S. Copyright Registration?
Copyright is very important for every author and for each of his or her work. Copyright helps protect your expression in the literary works. You can register your published/unpublished book or manuscripts as literary works in the Copyright office. Here we have discussed how you can go about U.S. Copyright Registration procedure.
Copyright Registration Process
The copyright registration process constitutes of three main components – a complete application form, non-refundable filing fee and a non-returnable deposit. The non-returnable deposit basically means a copy or copies of your work that is being registered and deposited with the Copyright Office. The registration process can be carried out in two ways: online application or paper application.
Online application
Most authors generally prefer registering their literary works through online application (eCO). There are many advantages to apply for Copyright Registration through eCO. One major advantage is that the filing fee is less, just $35. The processing time is faster, also allowing you to keep a track of the process status online. The payment of your fees is also carried out securely through credit/debit card, electronic check or Copyright Office deposit account. You also get the benefit of uploading certain categories of the deposits directly into the eCO electronic files. When you are applying online, the basic claims include the following:
1. A single work
2. Multiple unpublished works, the elements being assembled in an orderly form
3. Multiple published works – all published together first, in the same publication, on the same date and are owned by the same author
Paper application
If you opt for paper application you will be required to fill in the forms available and submit to the U.S. Copyright Registration office. For literary works, you will be required to fill in the TX form. This form is made available over internet, on the Office website. You can also ask the form to be mailed to you at your mailing address. They will send two copies of each form when mailed to you. The forms, whether accessed through the internet or mail, are to be filled in, signed and mailed to the U.S. Copyright Office. The basic registration fee for paper application is $65, which is to be paid by check or money order.
There are certain forms that you are required to complete on paper and mail to the Copyright Office, whether you have opted for online application or paper application. These forms include the following:
· Form CA – Correction or amplification of information in a registration
· Form D-VH – Registration of vessel hull designs
· Form MW – Registration of mask works
· Form GATT – Registration of works in which the U.S. copyright was restored under the 1994 Uruguay Round Agreements Act
· Form RE – Renewal of copyright claims
· Forms for group submissions
Copyright Registration FAQs
Apart from the knowing the ways in which you can apply for U.S. Copyright Registration, you may have many other questions in mind. Let us answer some of the most frequently asked questions.
Where can one get application forms from?
As mentioned above, the application forms are available online or can be requested through mail.
How can the U.S. Copyright Registration office be contacted?
The registration office can be contacted in three ways:
· You can contact the Copyright Office through its official website http://www.copyright.gov/.
· You can also contact the Copyright Office through telephone, numbers for which are as follows:
(202) 707 3000 – General copyright information
+1 877 476 0778 – Toll free
(202) 707 9100 – For requesting paper application forms or circulars
· For contacting the office by regular mail, you can write to:
Library of Congress
Copyright Office – COPUBS
101, Independence Avenue, SE
Washington, DC 20559
What are the registration fees?
The registration fee for eCO is $35/application, while it is $65/application for paper application. The registration fees are generally different for each application.
Are credit cards accepted?
Payment through credit cards is accepted if you have applied through eCO. Credit card payment is not accepted if you opt for paper application. However you may be able to pay through credit card if you are submitting the application in person.
Is my work to be submitted?
Yes, the U.S. Copyright Registration Office required a copy of your work for proceeding with your registration application. In the case of eCO you may submit an electronic copy of your work while in case of paper application you will be required to submit a hard copy of your work. However, in case of eCO application, if the Library of Congress does require a hard copy, you will be required to submit the same.
Will my work be returned?
No, the work that you submit is not returnable to the applicant.
How long does registration take and when will the certificate be issued?
The processing time for your registration application varies, depending on the number of applications the Copyright Office receives. Normally, the processing time for e-Filing is 3 to 4.5 months while the same for paper application if 5 to 8 months.
