How can I get a copyright for my work?

In California, a copyright is a form of protection provided by the laws of the United States to the authors of “original works of authorship” including literary, dramatic, musical, artistic, and certain other intellectual works. A copyright gives the creator of an original work the exclusive right to reproduce, distribute, and make derivative works of that work. Getting a copyright for your work is relatively simple. Under United States copyright law, the copyright for any original work is secured automatically once it is put in tangible form (such as writing on paper or creating a digital document). So, if you have written a book or an article, or created an artistic or musical piece, then you have automatically secured the copyright for that work. However, if you are serious about protecting your work, you can choose to formally register your copyright with the United States Copyright Office. This provides an official record of your copyright, and is necessary if you plan to bring a copyright infringement lawsuit. In order to register a copyright, you must fill out an application form, pay a fee, and submit a copy of your work to the Registrar of Copyrights. You must also provide a detailed description of your work and answers to some additional questions. Once the paperwork is submitted and the fee is paid, the Copyright Office will review your application and make a decision within three months. If your work is accepted as “original”, then you will officially have a copyright.

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