Copyright is a type of protection that protects the original works of the authors, fixed in a tangible form of expression. The moment an original work of the author is fixed, a copyright is granted protection in the USA. Copyright is protected automatically in the USA. In simple words, copyright does not need registration to be protected. Yet, there are many benefits of registering a copyright. For example, in case of any infringement of the copyright, the copyright owner can get statutory damages.
How to file the copyright application?
To register a copyright in the United States, an application must be sent to the US Copyrights Office. You can register through traditional paper methods or online through the database of the US Copyrights Office. However, there are many benefits of filing an online application, they are:
• Lower filing fee compared to paper filing.
• Faster processing of the application.
• Tracking the status of the application.
Filing the copyright application
• The applicant must fill the application available at the database of the Copyright Office, USA with the prescribed fees.
• The applicant must send a copy of their work. The applicant can upload a digital copy at the database of the Copyright Office or mail the hard copy to the Copyright Office.
• After the application is submitted, the Copyright Office confirms the submission. Thereafter, the applicant can check the status of their application at the database of the Copyright Office, USA.
Registration Certificate
If there are questions related to the copyright, then the applicant may receive a phone call or an email. In the case that the application is rejected, the applicant will receive a letter that explains the reason behind such rejection. If there is no such situation or the applicant has overcome the checks of the Copyright Office, the copyright will be registered. Once registered, the applicant will receive a certificate of registration in the mail. At most, it takes 3-9 months to process an application and issue the registration of copyright certificate.
