Library Home: Intellectual Property (IP): Copyright Registration

Why should I register my work if copyright protection is automatic?

Blogs.loc.gov: Copyright Deposit Requirements May Be Easier Than You Think (Posted March 22, 2023)
Updates since 2018 - including "For all unpublished works and works only published online, you only need to submit electronic deposits and are not required to submit best edition physical deposits."

"Section 407⁴ of the Copyright Act states that all works under copyright protection and published in the United States are subject to the mandatory deposit provision of the law. It requires the owner of the copyright or of the exclusive right of distribution to deposit two complete copies of the best edition within three months after the work is published."

Where can I find more information?

"The Office’s website has a page dedicated to mandatory deposits, including frequently asked questions (FAQs), and chapter 1500 of the Compendium of U.S. Copyright Office Practices, Third Edition is all about deposits. For additional or application-specific questions, contact the Office directly via our contact form, by email at copyinfo@copyright.gov, or over the phone at (202) 707-3000 or 1-877-476-0778 (toll-free)."

Do I have to register with your office to be protected? (copyright.gov)
"No. In general, registration is voluntary. Copyright exists from the moment the work is created. You will have to register, however, if you wish to bring a lawsuit for infringement of a U.S. work. See Circular 1, Copyright Basics, section “Copyright Registration.”"
Why should I register my work if copyright protection is automatic? (copyright.gov)
Registration is recommended for a number of reasons. Many choose to register their works because they wish to have the facts of their copyright on the public record and have a certificate of registration. Registered works may be eligible for statutory damages and attorney's fees in successful litigation. Finally, if registration occurs within five years of publication, it is considered prima facie evidence in a court of law. See Circular 1, Copyright Basics, section “Copyright Registration” and Circular 38b, Highlights of Copyright Amendments Contained in the Uruguay Round Agreements Act (URAA), on non-U.S. works.
How to Register a Work via the Electronic Copyright Office (copyright.gov)
Copyright Registration for Pictorial, Graphic, and Sculptural Works (copyright.gov)
COPYRIGHT REGISTRATION PART 1: WHY REGISTER YOUR COPYRIGHT? Posted February 14, 2018 (authorsalliance.org/)
COPYRIGHT REGISTRATION PART 2: HOW TO REGISTER YOUR COPYRIGHT Posted February 21, 2018 (authorsalliance.org)