What is a copyright registration?

A copyright registration is a process of registering a work with the government to legally protect the rights of the creator of the work. In South Carolina, copyright registration is handled by the U.S. Copyright Office, part of the Library of Congress. The registration process involves submitting an application, a nonrefundable filing fee, and a copy of the work being registered. Once the registration is complete, the copyright registration is entered into the public record, and the creator of the work gains certain exclusive rights and protections. These rights include the right to copy, publish, distribute, and sell the work, to make derivative works, and to sue for infringement if someone infringes on their copyright. Additionally, registering a copyright allows the creator to seek damages from any infringer, including court costs and attorney fees. This is important since the majority of copyright infringement occurs without the infringer even being aware of it. Registration also helps to ensure that the laws are enforced and that creators can protect their work. In the United States, a copyright registration can last for up to 70 years after the death of the creator. During this time, the creator and their heirs may continue to receive compensation for the use of the work. This is one of the many benefits of registering a copyright.

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