How To File A Copyright - It is crucial that a copyright application registration be correctly completed before filing. Failing to correctly complete the form can be adverse effects in the validity if the copyright and the ability to stop other parties from using your copyrighted work.

At first blush, the application forms provided by the copyright office appears to be very simple to complete. The forms themselves are not extraordinarily complicated or lengthy. It is the decisions that must be made regarding what information is placed in those forms that can be complex.

Steps In Preparing Registration Forms -

First Step - Collect Information - In order to properly complete a copyright application, it is important to first collect all relevant information regarding the work to be copyrighted including all of the contents and components of the work and the methods and processes involved in creating the work. Information should also be collected concerning all parties, employees and outside parties, who played a role in the development process. From this information, crucial decision must be made regarding the completion of the application and what may be required in order to properly complete the application.

It pays to be thorough in collecting this information. A checklist should be planned and completed as this information is collected and as decisions are made regarding the contents of the application.

Step 2 - Select The Proper Copyright Form - There are several different registration forms that may be used depending on the nature of the work. Selecting the appropriate form is crucial to the validity of the copyright and can be one of the more complicated aspects of the process. This decision can be fairly complicated, especially where a work contains several different aspects. This is often the case in web and multimedia applications which often include numerous components which may include graphics, video, textual content, programs, databases, and other materials.

Step 3 - Determine Who Has The Right To Register A Copyright - You should determine from the facts that you develop about the development process and the individuals involved, who is the appropriate party to file the application or to otherwise be included on the copyright registration form. Generally, the author has the copyright and the right to file the registration. However, the author can assign this right to an owner. Determining who is the author in a given situation where a number of parties may be involved in the development process can be complicated. Also, determining whether the all rights have been appropriately assigned to the owner, including the right to register the copyright in the owner's name.

Step 4 - Properly Completing Registration Forms - As discussed above, it is crucial to properly complete the registration form to assure the validity of your copyright.

Step 5 - Determining The Appropriate Archive Materials - Most works require you to include an archive copy of the work being copyrighted along with your application. It is important to determine the precise archive requirement for the type of work that you are registering. You need to comply with the archive copy requirements to the tee.

Step 6 - Copyright Fees and Transmittal of Applications - Be sure to include the appropriate filing fee payment and form of payment with your application. Be sure that the sent to the appropriate address and include appropriate postage and copies. Make copies of your application for your records.