Copyright Registration

Copyright is a right given by the law to creators of literary, dramatic, musical and artistic works and producers of cinematography films and sound recordings.

Copyright protects original, tangible work you have created including things like writings, drawings, books and poems. It also protects:

·         Movies

·         songs and sound recordings

·         artistic works like paintings and sculptures

·         computer software programs

·         architecture plans and drawings

Your copyright affords you the exclusive right to make copies of your protected work, sell it, and distribute it. Your copyright also allows you to create adaptations or derivative pieces from your work, perform your work (e.g. like in a play) and display your work in public.

Consider the reasons to register your copyright:

·         A registered copyright is a matter of public record.

·         Registered copyright holders receive a certificate of registration from Copyright Office.

·         You must register your copyright before you bring a lawsuit related to infringement of your work.

·         Registered works may be eligible for statutory damages and attorney's fees if you win a lawsuit to protect your rights.

·         If you register your work within five years of the first publication of the work, the registration is considered prima facie evidence, which puts the burden on the other party to prove that they had a copyright to the same idea before you did.