Attorneys

A copyright is granted by the Library of Congress for all original artistic works.  Use these steps to register a copyright for a literary work.  Works do not have to be published to be granted a copyright.

Step 1 Determine if it is a literary work.

Different types of works require different steps.  A literary work is a textual work which may be fiction or non-fiction and may or may not contain illustrations.  Literary works include: books, poetry, reports, research papers, speeches, tests, brochures and pamphlets, catalogs and advertisements as well as computer programs and computer databases.

Step 2 – Choose the correct Copyright Office form to use.

Form TX is for published or unpublished non-dramatic literary works, excluding periodicals or serial issues. This class includes a wide variety of works: fiction, nonfiction, poetry, textbooks, reference works, directories, catalogs, advertising copy, compilations of information, and computer programs.

Short Form TX is for non-dramatic literary works, including fiction and nonfiction, books, short stories, poems, collections of poetry, essays, articles in serials, and computer programs.  This form may only be used if there is only one person who is claiming authorship, the work was not made for hire and is completely new and original.

Form SE is for registration of each individual issue of a serial. A serial is defined as a work issued or intended to be issued in successive parts bearing numerical or chronological designations and intended to be continued indefinitely. This includes: periodicals; newspapers; journals

If you need more space that what is allocated on Form TX or SE use Form CON .

Step 3 – Determine what type of copy you must submit.
Every application must be accompanied by a copy of the work that is being registered.

Unpublished Works: One complete copy.
There is no specific requirement for unpublished works.  Typewritten, photocopied, and legibly handwritten manuscripts, preferably in ink, will be accepted.  The Office does prefer receiving a copy that facilitates handling and long term storage.

Published Works: Two complete copies of the best edition.

Works First Published Outside the U.S.: One complete copy of the first foreign edition.

Contribution to a Collective Work: One complete copy of the best edition of the collective work, or a copy of the contribution itself as it was published in the collective work.

Online Works (excluding computer programs):  If a work has also been published in a physical copy you must adhere to the Published Works requirement.  If it is published solely online you may submit either a CD or DVD containing the entire work; or a printed reproduction or audio or video cassette recording.

Computer Programs: One copy of identifying portions of the program reproduced in a visually perceptible form, together with the page containing the copyright notice.

Databases: Please see Circular 65, Copyright Registration for Automated Databases. Please see Circular 64, Copyright Registration for Secure Tests.

Secure Tests:

Step 4 – Mail the package along with the fee.

The current fee is $45 and should be made payable to “Register of Copyrights”.
Mail the application, fee and copies to:
Library of Congress
Copyright Office
101 Independence Avenue, S.E.
Washington, D.C. 20559-6000

Step 5 – Wait for your Certificate
Your copyright becomes effective once the Copyright Office receives your completed package.  Within 6 months you should receive a Certificate of Registration.