How to Copyright Something?

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To learn how to copyright something In the US and many other countries, any original work of art or authorship is automatically copyrighted to the originator or creator. To assure that a work is copyrighted, there are steps that can be taken.

First is adding a c with a circle around it which looks like © and will follow with the name of the artist or author and the year of creation.

Copyright Symbol on a Mac

Got to your browser bar (the bar on the screen that starts with the apple) at the top or side. Click on edit then at the bottom of the box you should see special characters. Click on that and you will see the character for the copyright.

This is only the first step to legally protect your rights. This only offers minimal copyright protection.

How to Copyright Something

The next step is to register the copyright. Registration requires that the work or creation be...

  • be an artistic work, musical work, or written creation and
  • that it be an original (or in some instances a derivative of an original work)
  • that it be "fixed" (printed, recorded, or electronic media copy such as a computer disk or a CD).

Go to Copyright Basics which is a downloadable PDF that will provide the basic information you will need to register your works copyright for the United States.

You can file on line or through snail mail.

Electronic Copyright Office is the site where you can actually register your copyright.

There are some advantages listed on the site for online registration. They include...

  • Less expensive...only $35 for a basic claim (for online filings only) vs $50
  • Faster processing
  • Tracking online...find the status of your registration
  • Pay by credit or debit card, electronic check.
  • Businesses can set up a Copyright Office deposit account
  • Some categories allow electronic files for your submission
  • Register 24 Hours a Day (except for routine maintenance Sunday's, 12:00 midnight to 6:00 AM Eastern Time

There is more to the question of How to copyright something?

How do I Copyright Something?

Copyright Law Education to find more copyright information.

Website Legalities to review other legal protections and concerns. This is easy but cannot be overlooked. Failure to do so can cost you dearly according to some.

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