What is copyright registration and how do I do it?

Copyright registration is a process that gives an author—or copyright holder—legally-recognized protection for their work. It is a registration with the United States Copyright Office, a division of the Library of Congress, that marks the work with a claim of copyright. It also provides the author with evidence of their claim in the event of infringement or legal dispute. In Washington, registering a copyright requires submitting the appropriate forms and fees to the United States Copyright Office. The process is similar to other registration services and includes completing the Application for Registration, providing a copy of the work, and paying a fee. Generally, you must submit an application, a nonrefundable filing fee, and a copy or copies of the work to be registered with the United States Copyright Office. All applications must be in the English language. Once the application and deposit materials have been reviewed and accepted, the United States Copyright Office issues a certificate of registration. This certificate is proof of your claim of copyright. The registration is effective from the date of the certificate. It’s important to note that copyright is effective from the moment the work is created, but registering the copyright adds an extra layer of protection should a dispute arise. Copyright law in Washington is complex, and consulting with a lawyer can help ensure a successful registration process.

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What is copyright registration and how do I do it?

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