Copyright 101

Registering a copyright is a powerful way to protect your creative work and claim it as your own. Here's how to tell if your work qualifies.

Find out more about registering a copyright

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copyright 101

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Updated on: April 7, 2025
Read time: 3 min

Ever wonder what you can protect with a copyright? Or whether you really need to register your copyright in a work to protect it? Copyright can be confusing; let's break down the basics.

According to the United States Copyright Office, “Copyright is a form of protection provided by the laws of the United States (title 17, U.S. Code) to the authors of ‘original works of authorship,' including literary, dramatic, musical, artistic, and certain other intellectual works.”

In other words, copyright allows you to claim your creative works as your own. While you have some basic copyright protections from the moment you bring your creation into the world, formal copyright registration gives you the authority to challenge copyright infringement in court.

What works are covered?

A lot of things can be copyrighted: books, plays, songs, sculptures, paintings, choreography (as long as it is somehow recorded), architectural works (both plans and buildings), and more.

Basically, any creative work of authorship is covered. To be covered, your work must:

  • Be original. You must be the creator of the work and it can't be a copy of someone else's work.
  • Be tangible. Your work must be recorded or documented in some way. This could mean a recording of a song, written word, a video recording, etc. You can not copyright an idea.
  • Be creative. Your work must demonstrate a modicum of creativity—the phone book, no matter how difficult, just won't cut it.

And your work cannot be functional—copyright covers creative works, while patents cover functional works.

Under the changes made by Section 106 of the Copyright Act of 1976, the owner of the copyright reserves the right to do any of the following or to authorize others to do the same:

  • Reproduce or record copies of the work
  • Create new works based on the original
  • Distribute by sale, transfer of ownership, rental, lease, or lending
  • Perform the work publicly—this is applicable to, for example, public readings of literary pieces, performances of plays, music (with lyrics and without), dance pieces (again, so long as the original is recorded, either on paper or video), pantomimes (same), movies, and other audio/visual works
  • Display the work publicly, which covers all of the above as well as photographs, paintings, graphics elements, sculptures, and still photos from films
  • Perform/allow public performance of sound recordings by digital or analog audio playback

As mentioned before, you gain some copyright protections even if you don't register your work with the U.S. Copyright Office (USCO). However, if you want to enforce your copyright, you have to register it with the US Copyright Office. Only with registration can you sue someone who copies your work, or performs, displays, or sells it without your permission.

To qualify for copyright protection, a work must be "fixed in a tangible medium of expression." This means that the work must exist in some physical form and cannot simply be an idea—copyright law rests on the distinction between idea and expression: expressions are protectable; ideas are not.

Once you've fixed your work in a tangible medium (book, film, painting, etc.), you hold the copyright to that work automatically. You do not need to do anything else to own that copyright, and it exists for the author's life plus seventy years.

Copyright is governed solely by federal law. Any lawsuit for infringement must be brought up in federal court—and that means you have to register your copyright before you can bring your claim to court. (The type of work will dictate which form is used to register it.)

Forms, fees, and requirements vary, but all copyright registrations require submission of a non-refundable fee and a copy (or copies) of the work to the Copyright Office. Your registration is effective from the date all your paperwork arrives at the office in acceptable form.

LegalZoom's copyright registration service is a fast, affordable way to protect your work. You'll answer a simple questionnaire and our experienced team will verify and file your copyright registration.

Find out more about registering a copyrightStart Now
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This article is for informational purposes. This content is not legal advice, it is the expression of the author and has not been evaluated by LegalZoom for accuracy or changes in the law.

57 days ago
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Obtaining a Copyright

I had some questions about copyright, and he answered all of them. He was pleasant to talk to very professional. I was very pleased. I've been using legalzoom for many years, and I love you guys. Thank you.

NORINA PURRO
58 days ago
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Happy customer

Ms. Green, was very helpful in assisting me step-by-step in guiding through the process in getting my copyright application. She was patient and very polite. She offered to follow-up on my completed, make sure the process was successful.

Ayesha
64 days ago
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Superior Customer Service

Superior customer service and expertise from Patti Green. I have a urgent need for an attorney consultation regarding state level copyright law. Ms. Green quickly and seamlessly steered me to the plan which affords this service. The consult was immediately scheduled for the next day. To say the least, this experience was exemplary.

Guy Hampson
69 days ago
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Copyright registration

Karen helped me immensely during my copyright registration. Very patient. Carrie was alos very good over there.

rjparadee
113 days ago
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So far whenever I have tried to work…

So far whenever I have tried to work with Legal Zoom it has been a great experience. Both Holly and Denise have helped to make my tour of the legal process for a copyright excellent and I now have my copyright in my hands. I might add that I am amazed I got it under the oligarchy at all after doge got done.

Connie Lednum
107 days ago
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Great Copyright Registration Experience

Walked me through the process to register my copyright. Made everything quick and easy!

Cheryl C
126 days ago
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Your expertise and knowledge of my…

Your expertise and knowledge of my questions regarding my copyright I applied for was nothing less than stellar!

Lorenzo Vito
153 days ago
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Time and clarity

Thank you for your time and clarity explaining items from my behalf in regards to Copyright material. I also appreciate the no queue waiting on line when I called. I do recommend you.

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161 days ago
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Elizabeth was AMAZING!!!

Elizabeth was AMAZING!!!, She walk me thru the whole copyright process. Thank you

Adewale Agboke Jr
169 days ago
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Very responsive and was able to answer…

Very responsive and was able to answer my questions about Copyright options quickly and professionally.

Daniel White
324 days ago
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Great customer service

Great customer service! The LegalZoom representative showed genuine care. She followed up on my Copyright Order, and remembered me and my name from the previous Copyright phone call. She was very helpful and represented LegalZoom with excellence. Thank you for hiring, and retaining such a talented energetic representative.

Joshua Earl
565 days ago
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Legal Zoom Delivers On Their Promises!

Legal Zoom is professional, accommodating, and gracious. We went to them for copyright help, and true to their promise, we accomplished this endeavor in 30 minutes. EASY!! What a fresh breath of air to find a company that delivers exactly what they say they will! We'll be a Legal Zoomers for life!

Alice Osborne
1203 days ago
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Better than "Uncle Sam"

I had to get a copyright done and got nowhere with the U.S. Government Copyright Office, it was a joke! Legal Zoom took care of it and had me "fixed up" in 5 minutes. Thank You, Legal Zoom!

Padu
1309 days ago
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Legal Zoom performance is exceptional

Legal Zoom his handled four copyright applications for me and they are exceptional.

C Robert Cales
1587 days ago
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Copyright application

I am a new author and am filing copyright for my manuscript. My experience with LegalZoom has been very successful and a pleasure. The associate was knowledgeable and a pleasure to work with. I would recommend this service.

DJS
1747 days ago
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LegalZoom's Guidance is the best

I'm applying for a copyright for the first time and I was very nervous. My status page told me there was a problem and I should call LegalZoom. Kirk explained it was just a simple confirmation that was needed and he took the time to explain why its needed and talked me through what happens next. LegalZoom is just the best thing for a first time business owner like myslef.

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