How can I copyright an online work?

In North Dakota, copyright protection can be claimed for online works just as it can for traditional physical works. Copyright is a federally granted right that automatically attaches to original works when they are created. Copyright protection for an online work begins as soon as it is created and fixed in a tangible form, such as on a computer hard drive or server. In order to gain enhanced protection, however, you may wish to formally register your work with the U.S. Copyright Office. There are multiple options for registering an online work; some websites such as YouTube or Vimeo provide their own registration procedure, while other types of online work can be registered using the eCO platform provided by the U.S. Copyright Office. The registration process requires that you provide a brief description of the work, a tangible copy of the work, and a completed application form. You may also need to pay a fee. Once all the requirements have been satisfied and the application is approved, the U.S. Copyright Office will then provide a copyright certificate that will protect the work and provide a public record of the copyright. It’s important to note that copyright infringement is possible even without registering a work; however, registering your work provides enhanced protection in the event of infringement and allows for easier enforcement of the copyright.

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How can I copyright an online work?

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