Copyright Registration

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• Copyright protection arises automatically as soon as an original work of authorship is fixed
  • not required to register a work to get protection

Why Register?

• may choose to register for copyright protection for additional benefits:
  • copyright can be enforced
    • cannot file a lawsuit for copyright infringement without first registering the copyright with the U.S. Copyright Office
  • creates a public record of the copyright
  • if a copyright is registered within 5 years of publication, it creates a presumption of valid ownership
    • person challenging it must present proof that it is invalid

Application Components

• register by submitting to the U.S. Copyright Office:
  • an application
  • copy of the work
  • must pay a fee