Filing for Copyright

From LegalLanding

This is how to file for copyright. All registration for copyright contains four parts: 1) completed application, 2) a sample or copy of the work, 3) the fee and 4) a filled out cover sheet. All checks and money orders should be made out to “Register of Copyrights”. If you register via the internet the form for filing is for copyright is the same regardless of media. However, depending on which method of filing via mail, there may be several forms from which to select, each of which corresponds with the media of your submission.

2 ways to complete applications: online and by mail

Online

Go to www.copyright.gov
On the left menu click the second option entitled “register online”
Click the Electronic Copyright Office link to the right of “Login to eCO”
Create an account
On the left side under Copyright services click on Register a New Claim and follow the steps on the website
Digital formats accepted are listed here
The fee for this method is $35

By mail (more efficient method of filing by mail)

Download and fill out the Application for Copyright Registration Form. (You can do it from this site by following the link, or you can do it through by following the instructions below).
- Go to www.copyright.gov
- On the left menu click the second option entitled “register online”
- Go to the section entitled “Alternate methods” and click the first red bullet “form CO”
- Hit the link on the bottom of the next page named “download Form CO”
Complete it within the PDF. DO NOT write on the form in pen or you will be charged an additional $15 processing fee and the processing time will increase. Follow these instructions.
Include a copy of the original work and two copies of the cover letter
The fee for this method is $50
Mail to:

Library of Congress

Copyright Office-DOC

101 Independence Avenue SE

Washington, DC 20559-6216

By mail (outdated method of filing by mail, but still works)

You can have paper forms mailed to you for each of the categories of copyright if neither of the above two methods will work
Forms can be ordered here
The cost for filing with this method is $65
Mail to: