It's your creation—keep it safe

Register a copyright to protect your creative work, stay in control of how it's used, and take action against infringement. Starts at $114 + filing fees.

Register my copyright

Many people finish in under 15 minutes.

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Creators have turned to us 90,000+ times to protect their songs, books, and more.

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Why register a copyright

Protect your work

You can create confidently, knowing your work is protected against infringement.

Enhance your rights

Get official proof that you have the exclusive rights to your work, and the power to grant those rights to others.

Put an end to any infringement

Go on record as the copyright owner, and gain the ability to sue if someone uses your work without permission.

What a registered copyright protects

Protects
Doesn't protect
Books
Songs
Photos
Art
Films
And other creative work that's tangible (written, recorded, etc.)
Brand names and slogans.
Try a trademark.
Inventions and product designs.
Consider a patent.
Ideas only (not in a tangible form)
Protects
Books
Songs
Photos
Art
Films
And other creative work that's tangible (written, recorded, etc.)
Doesn't protect
Brand names and slogans.
Try a trademark.
Inventions and product designs.
Consider a patent.
Ideas only (not in a tangible form)

How to register your copyright

  1. Answer a few questions online and provide a copy of your work
  2. We'll put together everything needed for your application
  3. We'll file your complete application with the U.S. Copyright Office

Want to check out example documents? See samples
Sheet music sits next to a laptop.

What we do for you

Copyright registration

$114 + federal filing fees

  • Electronic filing of your application with the U.S. Copyright Office
  • Delivery confirmation when the Library of Congress receives a copy of your work

Frequently asked questions

  1. The owner of a copyright has the exclusive right to reproduce, distribute copies (for sale or otherwise), publicly perform or display, or create derivative works of the copyrighted work. They also have the right to authorize others to do the same.
  2. Generally, copyright protection lasts the entire lifetime of the creator, plus an additional 70 years. For work that was made for hire, anonymously, or using a pseudonym, copyright protection lasts for 95 years from the year of first publication or 120 years from the year of creation (whichever comes first). If the work was first published before 1978, these timeframes can vary.
  3. While your work is under copyright protection as soon as it's created, there are many benefits to registering a copyright. You'll establish a public record of the copyright, and get a certificate of registration. You also may be able to sue infringers for statutory damages and attorney's fees—not just actual damages and profits, which can be harder to prove. And if you register before or within 5 years of publication, you'll establish strong evidence in court that the copyright is valid.
  4. Yes, we'll need one complete copy of your work if it has not yet been published, and two copies if your work has been published. We'll give you detailed instructions once you complete your order.
  5. Yes, the U.S. Copyright Office will mail you a certificate of registration, typically within 8-12 months.

Why choose us

4 million+

businesses

Helping entrepreneurs turn ideas into
businesses over 4 million times.

650,000+

consultations

Providing access to our independent
network of attorneys over 650,000 times.

90,000+

copyright applications

Helping creators protect their hard work with a copyright over 90,000 times.

Meet our customers

My copyright request was smooth sailing! In a timely fashion, the filing process was finished. I appreciated the way LegalZoom kept me informed and let me know when to expect the copyright certificate.

Linda P.

Lagrange, KY
Outstanding! The copyright was easy to do and reasonably priced. Everyone I talked to was polite, professional, and helpful. What more could you want?

Frederick M.

Bremerton, WA
Very helpful and patient with me. LegalZoom streamlined the process and took the worries of copyrighting onto their shoulders. We discussed issues that arose, and I have learned a lot from them and their team of independent attorneys.

Mary B.

City of Central, LA

Questions?

Ask an attorney

Get the right guidance with an attorney by your side.

Get legal help

Carolyn, Attorney serving NY, 19 years experience

Call an agent at (866) 270-9658 (866) 270-9658

Mon-Fri: 5 a.m.-7 p.m. PT
Weekends: 7 a.m.-4 p.m. PT

User reviews

Ready to register your copyright?