Copyright Registration Protects Your Valuable Work
From the moment of creation, you have copyright protection for your work. However, this protection is limited. Formally registering your copyright provides you with greater protection and several other advantages. While formal registration may not be available for every situation, a copyright registration attorney from ESQgo®, PC can help you decide whether it makes sense for you.
The Benefits of Formal Copyright Registration
While copyright registration isn’t required, registering your copyright gives greater protection by putting the public on notice that you have claimed your copyright. Formal registration establishes a clear, public record of your ownership and establishes the date that your work was created. Here are some additional benefits of formal registration:
- Your registered trademark is entered into the U.S. Copyright Office database, putting others on notice of your copyright and thereby reducing the risk of infringement.
- In the event of infringement, you are granted the ability to sue the other party in federal court for monetary damages.
- If you prevail in federal court at trial, the court may order the other party to pay your attorney’s fees and court costs.
About The Copyright Registration Process
The copyright process is relatively straightforward when compared to other types of intellectual property registration such as patents or trademarks. In short, you simply have to submit an application to the U.S. Copyright Office. Your application should include the following:
- A completed application form
- Payment of the appropriate filing fees
- Copies of the work that you wish to be protected by the copyright
You are not required to hire an attorney to register your copyright; however, a copyright registration attorney can provide valuable guidance as to what you should copyright to strengthen your intellectual property portfolio and how to navigate the process as quickly as possible in order to minimize delays.
How Long Does the Copyright Registration Process Take?
The length of time varies depending on how many applications the Copyright Office is receiving, but it can take anywhere from 3 to 9 months on average for applicants to receive their Certificate of Registration. Of course, your application may be delayed due to problems with your application – a copyright registration attorney can ensure that your application is thorough and complete when submitted.
When Will My Copyright Take Effect?
Even though it may take several months for the registration process to be completed, the good news is that your copyright will take effect once the Copyright Office has received a complete application, provided that it is complete and absolutely accurate. As a result, you do not need to wait for your Certificate of Registration in order to claim your work as protected by federal copyright law.
How Do I Know my Application is Complete?
Your copyright attorney will send email confirmations when each step has been completed. Otherwise, the Copyright Office does not provide confirmation of receipt. This is one reason why you may want to use an attorney to submit your copyright application.
Speak with a Copyright Registration Attorney from ESQgo®, PC
We help our clients navigate the copyright registration process quickly and strategically. If you have work that needs copyright protection, contact us today to discuss your needs and what we can do for you.