How Do I Copyright Something?

or How Do I Avoid the Wrong Ways to Copyright My Work?

The question, how do I copyright something? has a few answers.

The basic answer is Electronic Copyright Registration This is the fastest and least expensive form of copyright. It is not for everyone and it is not for all types of copyright files.

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How do I Copyright Something Help

To learn the basics, download the Copyright Basics PDF.

Scroll down to the header... Alternate Registration Methods and read the information on Registration with Fill-In Form CO.

There is a PDF to view or download.

This form uses 2-D barcode scanning technology. This will help speed up the process and make it more efficient and faster than the original paper forms.

The form will be completed on your computer and then printed out.

Then it gets mailed with a check or money order and the copyrighted work that you want to deposit. The cost is $50 for registration on Form CO.

Processing time can take up to eight months from time of submission. This delay does not in any way hinder the progression of publication or reproduction of the copyrighted work. That can proceed as you desire.

What is the Deposit?

The copyright website speaks of a deposit. This is not money. Your deposit is the work that you are copyrighting.

Depending on what you are registering the copyright for will determine what you will send in.

For unpublished works, one complete copy of the work.

For published works, you will send in two complete copies of the best edition. You will need to read the above link on copyright basics to get more information on this.