Jump to Section
File a copyright to protect the original works you’ve created. While copyrights automatically trigger, filing a copyright reinforces with the government shows how serious you are about protecting it. Otherwise, someone else may intentionally or unintentionally get away with using your works.
It’s critical that you navigate the registration process accurately. This article explains everything you need to know about filing for a copyright:
What Is a Copyright?
Copyrights are intellectual property protections on an original piece of creative work. You can use copyrights in conjunction with trademarks and patents that are specific to your work’s size, design, and expression.
A copyright also protects fixed works. Fixed works are those created in a permanent medium. Examples of fixed works include recordings and writings.
How Do You File for a Copyright?
Copyright is automatic when you create an artistic work. You can apply for copyright protection from the United States Copyright Office if you want to enforce these protections.
Examples of works that you can copyright include:
- Written words
- Composed music
- Original art
- Software
- Architectural designs
- Photographs
- Videos
- And more
The good news is that’s it’s a reasonably straightforward process to obtain a copyright. Below, we’ve outlined a step-by-step process for protecting your original works:
Step 1. Perform a Copyright Registration Search
Think your copyright is original? Think again!
Make sure you confirm this fact before filing a copyright. Conduct a thorough copyright registration search through the Library of Congress.
This step is critical since legal consequences are on the line. If you’re worried about mistakenly encroaching upon another’s work, hire a legal professional to perform this task and guarantee your search efforts in case it’s questioned in the future.
Step 2. Obtain Written Agreements from Collaborators
If your employees assisted in the creation of your work as part of their job, copyright law mandates that they transfer their authorship to you. It’s a good idea to draft agreements if this situation applies to your works.
When it comes to copyright, laws treat independent contractors differently. Unless a written agreement exists, the contractor automatically retains the IP rights to that work.
Ensure that your freelance contract include work-made-for-hire provisions. Otherwise, you might infringe upon contractors’ legal rights.
Step 3. Affix a Copyright Notice to Your Work
A copyright notice on your company’s work is helpful, even if it isn’t required by law. It notifies people that you protected the work while preventing potential infringers from successfully arguing in court that copying your work was an innocent mistake.
Copyright notices should be prominently displayed on the work and include the following four elements:
- Copyright symbol (“©”)
- Year of publishing
- Author name
- “All rights reserved” statement
Many professionals affix this copyright notice in an inconspicuous place on the work as not to distract from the aesthetic. However, it would be best not to go out of your way to hide it completely.
Step 4. Register Your Copyright with the US Copyright Office
If your work qualifies for copyright protection, you can either fill out a paper registration form or file electronically through the US Copyright Office’s Registration Portal. Depending on the type of work, the application form and information required will differ.
To ensure that you complete and submit all required information, carefully read the instructions on the form. You can also gain clarity with legal advice by speaking with an intellectual property lawyer .
Here is the Copyright.gov web page where you can register your copyright.
Step 5. Retain a Copy of Your Certificate of Registration
Your registration is effective the day they receive and process your application when approved. However, it’s still possible that your application could result in a denial. As such, it’s critical that you complete your forms carefully and correctly.
Depending on the method you used to file for registration and the complexity and completeness of your application, processing time can range from two months to two years.
The Copyright Office will send you a certificate of registration for your copyrighted work after processing. If denied, you can file a request for reconsideration and pay an additional fee. Regardless of the outcome, ensure that you retain copies of all communications sent and received.
Who Needs to File for a Copyright?
Intellectual property owners need to file for a copyright. If you’ve created written work, music, or artwork, then a copyright helps reinforce ownership. A copyright lasts for 70 years, which makes it a low-maintenance form of protection.
Examples of professions that need to file a copyright include:
- Painters
- Producers
- Songwriters
- Sculptors
- Furniture designers
- Artists
- Musicians
- Singers
- Authors
- Poets
- Writers
- Architects
- Bloggers
- Software engineers
- Choreographers
- Web designers
Your copyrights make your business unique. Don’t let other people encroach upon your sweat and tears. Obtain a copyright to protect your original works while leaving a lasting legacy.
Copyright Costs & Fees
Copyright costs and fees will vary according to the type of copyright you’re filing. The method used to file your application will affect it as well. Other elements, such as multiple authors, made for hire, multiple works, and different claimants, are also variables that change the cost.
Here is an outline of copyright application costs and fees:
- Electronic filings : Single authors, not for hire copyrights: $45. All others pay $65.
- Paper filings : Filing fees are $125.
You’ll also want to factor in the costs of hiring intellectual property lawyers. They typically charge between $250 and $400 per hour. It’s not a complicated process, but there are some questions on the application form that will necessitate some research.
If you’ve never filed a copyright before, professional help has advantages. Legal mistakes can result in additional delays. Many lawyers will prepare a copyright application for a flat fee.
Others will charge by the hour, but most should be able to give you an estimate of the total cost.
Prepare to provide your lawyer with the documents and other information they need to complete the application form quickly. Staying organized and providing as much information as possible can help you save money on administration costs.
Here’s the Copyright.gov web page about copyright costs & fees.
How Long Does It Take to File for a Copyright?
The registration of a copyright takes about three months on average. When you submit a copyright application, you will receive an email confirming that it has been received. However, some IP owners report the process taking up to several years to complete.
The amount of time it takes you to receive a copyright depends upon your specific situation.
On the other hand, basic copyright protection automatically triggers when you create an original work. The date the US Copyright Office receives the completed application and appropriate fees, your copyright registration becomes effective.
Who Can File for a Copyright?
Any owner of an original work can file for a copyright. However, it would be best if you determined that you’re the bonafide owner by performing your due diligence first. Conduct a copyright registration search before copyrighting to avoid legal problems.
If you have questions about filing for a copyright, always speak with intellectual property lawyers. They’ll help you through the process while answering your questions along the way.
Post a project in ContractsCounsel’s marketplace to get flat fee bids from IP lawyers to handle your project. All lawyers are vetted by our team and peer reviewed for you to explore before hiring.
How To Get Quotes For File Copyright
Meet some of our File Copyright Lawyers
Joshua S.
Joshua is an experienced attorney with deep expertise in finance, corporate, and business law. He offers practical legal solutions and personal service. As Managing Partner of Soloway Group PC, he advises startups, growing companies and investment funds on key issues, from formation to fundraising, stock issuances, trademarks and general business. He started out structuring funds and transactions at PwC before launching his own firm in 2009. He has been a partner in several New York law firms and has founded several companies including a banking firm, a real estate business, and a Cleantech company. Joshua has also served as Chief Legal Officer and Chief Strategy Officer of several companies in the tech, real estate, consulting, and sustainability industries. Prior to law school he was an early employee at a SoftBank-backed startup until it’s acquisition. Over the years, Joshua has helped many clients to launch, finance and grow successfully.
Joshua B.
Josh Bernstein has been serving real estate and corporate transactional clients since 2002. His experience is varied, and he enjoys working on and puzzling out novel and complex corporate and real estate matters. Josh’s experience includes, among other things, the following: representation of public companies in connection with SEC reporting and compliance work (proxies, 10-K’s; 10-Q’s; 8-K’s, etc.); representation of public and private company securities issuances (including private placements, and other similar offerings); assistance in structuring and drafting joint ventures, both for investors and operating partners, and including both real estate and corporate ventures; handling public and private company mergers and acquisitions; and asset sales and dispositions; assisting clients, big and small, with real estate acquisitions, sales and financings; managing large-scale and multi-state real estate portfolio acquisitions, dispositions and financings; complex condominium creation, structuring and governance work, including: commercial condominiums, use of condominiums as a land planning tool, wholesale condominium property acquisitions and dispositions, and rehabilitating failed or faulty condominium legal structures to make ready for sale; development of restrictive covenants and owners’ association documents for master-planned communities; compliance with federal statutes governing real estate sale and development (including, without limitation, the Interstate Land Sales Full Disclosure Act, the Housing for Older Persons Act, and the Americans with Disabilities Act); representation of real estate lenders, for both improved and unimproved property, and including numerous construction financings secured by real estate; assistance with commercial leasing; from both the landlord and tenant side, and including condominium leasing; training residential home and condominium sales staff for compliance with applicable local and federal law; and workouts of all kinds. When he’s not busy lawyering, Josh may be found watching 80’s commercials, flying a single-engine plane, playing poker, or trying to be a good dad.
September 12, 2023
Sarah P.
Sarah graduated magna cum laude from the University of Illinois College of Law in 2013. Prior to opening her own practice, Sarah worked in a large law firm defending corporate clients. She then transitioned to a smaller firm where her longing to serve clients in the surrounding community became evident. With her prior experience, Sarah opened her own firm in 2016 and has since served Lemont and the surrounding areas.
September 13, 2023
Joseph K.
I am a business, transactions, and estate attorney working out of central Texas.
September 15, 2023
Sarah F.
Sarah brings together her accounting and legal background to help solve client problems. Sarah couples her broad, general commercial legal background with our client’s international and business problems to arrive at elegant solutions that work for their business.
September 14, 2023
Sarina G.
Hi, I'm Sarina. Thank you for taking the time to read my bio! In 2019, I graduated summa cum laude from Capital University Law School. While in law school, I was a staff member and editor on the Capital University Law Review. I was also involved in the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program and Operation Legal Help Ohio, a program which provides legal assistance to veterans. One of the highlights of my law school experience was my externship with Judge Jeffrey Sutton in the United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit. After law school and passing the Ohio bar exam, I worked for two years as an associate at an AmLaw 100 law firm, where my practice focused on corporate, healthcare, and regulatory law. I then took an in-house position at one of the largest insurance brokerage firms in the USA, where I oversaw corporate governance, mergers and acquisitions, contracts negotiations, intellectual property, and other general corporate matters. Specifically, I am proficient in business law, navigating due diligence during acquisitions, contract drafting and review, and providing effective advice in the nuanced field of regulatory law. I prioritize responsiveness and thoroughness. Please do not hesitate to reach out to me with any questions!
September 14, 2023
Benjamin T.
I’m an Attorney working out of Marion, Ohio. Born and raised in Toledo, Ohio. I completed undergrad at the University of Toledo. I completed law school at Barry University in Orlando, Florida.
September 14, 2023
Rachel B.
I am a new attorney who is licensed to practice in Connecticut and Massachusetts. I am waiting for bar admission to North Carolina. I have over 20 year of experience working in both the public and private sectors. I am a fierce advocate for my clients and am committed to delivering solutions for clients with excellence.
September 15, 2023
Christopher X.
Recent law school graduate with an undergraduate degree in biomedical engineering degree passionate about the intersectionality of law and life sciences. Admitted to New York and New Jersey Bar. Ability to add value in a pharmaceutical or biotechnology entity and provide a unique perspective to multiple disciplines.
September 17, 2023
James H.
Attorney James is an experienced Attorney, Federal Law & Tax Specialist, Corporate Counsel, Tax Lawyer and Mediator. Experienced in Contract Drafting, Corporate Formation, Corporate Governance, Federal Administrative Law, Regulatory Compliance, Tax Settlement, Tax Planning, Merger/Acquisition, Business Law, Collection, Insurance Claims, Employment Law, Immigration, Non-Profit Governance Licensed Corporate Counsel in State of Delaware Supreme Court Bar #900646 Attorney: US District Court of the District of Columbia, Washington DC Federal Bar #DE0003 US Bankruptcy Court of The District of Columbia, Washington DC Federal Bar #DE0003 Tax Advisor: IRS Registered Tax lawyer/PTIN, PTIN (over 10 years experience) US Federal Agencies, Boards and Commissions, Federal Administrative Law and Regulatory Compliance Business law services: Administrative Law, Business Law, Collections, Bankruptcy, Corporate, Employment, Regulatory Compliance, Corporate Counsel, Immigration
September 19, 2023
Sahil M.
Drishti Law is devoted to assisting clients identify and protect their competitive advantage by establishing a capitalization strategy that adapts to their needs. Our expertise focuses on developing competent asset management strategies for innovators, creators, startups, and businesses. Additionally, navigating the current IP trends require a seamless experience that is personable and reflective of your goals. The principal attorney, Sahil Malhotra, founded Drishti Law because of his deep passion and ever-evolving interest in Intellectual property and Data Privacy. We take a holistic approach in balancing the risk and rewards as it relates to the development, management, and capitalization of your assets. Our ability to implement complex litigation and prosecution services permits effective execution of trademark, trade secret, copyright, and data privacy for individuals and businesses. It begins with creating a client-centric environment that develops trust through efficient decision making and instituting creative solutions.
Find the best lawyer for your project
Browse Lawyers NowNeed help with a legal contract?
We are here to help. Get started. No upfront payment.
GET FREE PROPOSALSFile Copyright lawyers by city
- Atlanta File Copyright Lawyers
- Austin File Copyright Lawyers
- Boston File Copyright Lawyers
- Chicago File Copyright Lawyers
- Dallas File Copyright Lawyers
- Denver File Copyright Lawyers
- Fort Lauderdale File Copyright Lawyers
- Houston File Copyright Lawyers
- Las Vegas File Copyright Lawyers
- Los Angeles File Copyright Lawyers
- Memphis File Copyright Lawyers
- Miami File Copyright Lawyers
- New York File Copyright Lawyers
- Oklahoma City File Copyright Lawyers
- Orlando File Copyright Lawyers
- Philadelphia File Copyright Lawyers
- Phoenix File Copyright Lawyers
- Richmond File Copyright Lawyers
- Salt Lake City File Copyright Lawyers
- San Antonio File Copyright Lawyers
- San Diego File Copyright Lawyers
- San Francisco File Copyright Lawyers
- Seattle File Copyright Lawyers
- Tampa File Copyright Lawyers
Quick, user friendly and one of the better ways I've come across to get ahold of lawyers willing to take new clients.
View Trustpilot ReviewContracts Counsel was incredibly helpful and easy to use. I submitted a project for a lawyer's help within a day I had received over 6 proposals from qualified lawyers. I submitted a bid that works best for my business and we went forward with the project.
View Trustpilot ReviewI never knew how difficult it was to obtain representation or a lawyer, and ContractsCounsel was EXACTLY the type of service I was hoping for when I was in a pinch. Working with their service was efficient, effective and made me feel in control. Thank you so much and should I ever need attorney services down the road, I'll certainly be a repeat customer.
View Trustpilot ReviewI got 5 bids within 24h of posting my project. I choose the person who provided the most detailed and relevant intro letter, highlighting their experience relevant to my project. I am very satisfied with the outcome and quality of the two agreements that were produced, they actually far exceed my expectations.
View Trustpilot Review