Protect your creative work with a copyright

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.

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.

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.

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.

Yes, the U.S. Copyright Office will mail you a certificate of registration, typically within 8-12 months.