Protect your creative work with a copyright

Register your copyright to protect your work in just a few simple steps. Whether you want to protect photos, songs, visual art, films, or books, we're here to guide you. Starts at $114 + filing fees.

Why register a copyright

Shield

Protect your work

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

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Enhance your rights

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

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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 we do for you

Copyright Registration

$114

+ federal fees

Get started

Includes:

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Electronic filing of your application with the U.S. Copyright Office

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Delivery confirmation when the Library of Congress receives a copy of your work

What a registered copyright protects

Protects

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Books

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Songs

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Photos

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Art

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Films

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And other creative work that's tangible (written, recorded, etc.)

Doesn't Protect

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Brand names and slogans

Try a trademark

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Inventions and product designs

Consider a patent

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Ideas only (not in a tangible form)

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How to register your copyright

one

Answer a few questions online and provide a copy of your work

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We'll put together everything needed for your application

three

We'll file your complete application with the U.S. Copyright Office

Frequently asked questions

What are the rights of a copyright owner?

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.

How long does a copyright last?

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.

Why should I register a copyright?

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.

Do I need to provide a copy of my creative work?

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.

Will I receive anything after I register my copyright?

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.

100,000+
copyright applications

Helping creators protect their hard work over 100,000 times.

What our customers are saying
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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.

Copyright Customer

five stars
quote

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.

Copyright Customer

five stars
quote

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.

Copyright Customer

five stars

Ready to register your copyright?

Get Started

Questions?
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Call an agent at

(877) 818-8787

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