General Instructions For Filing a Copyright Application

	General Instructions For Filing a Copyright Application

	You need to select the correct form. Go to: http://www.copyright.gov. Under the heading "How to Register a Work" are the forms for each of the types of copyrightable works. Also note that there are many circulars and brochures available containing additional information about copyrights.
	1. Complete the Form (If you have any questions about any of the entries, review the "instructions" page for that form, or let us know if we can assist you with anything. 2. Make a Cover Letter indicating that the following are included:
		(Copyright office Address and dated) Re: Title of the work, Name of Author Dear Register of Copyrights. Enclosed please find the following: Form ___ Check in the amount of $45.00 One deposit copy for an unpublished work (or Two deposit copies for a published work) Please stamp and return the attached self addressed post card indicating receipt of the foregoing. Very truly yours, …..
	3. Prepare a Self Addressed Stamped Post Card indicating the following:
		(Copyright office Address and dated) Re: Title of the work, Name of Author Dear Register of Copyrights. Kindly acknowledge receipt of the following by stamping and returning this self addressed stamped post card. Form __ One Deposit copy of Work (or Two deposit copies for a published work) Check in the amount of $45.00 Very truly yours…..
	4. With a single staple (large stapler if necessary), Staple the following from bottom to top: deposit copy on the bottom, then the form then the cover letter. Then staple your check to the front of the cover letter. Then staple the post card through the check and the cover letter. (This way they have to first remove the post card before they can take the check)
	5. Send all of this in an Express Mail package return receipt to the copyright office at the address indicated on the bottom of page 2 of the Form.
	6. You should keep one complete copy of all of the above for future reference. You will first receive back the Green Return Receipt Card, and then the Post Card. After about 6-12 months you will get the copyright registration back from the Copyright office. 7. Responding to objections: If there are any issues raised by the Copyright Office, they will notify you and give you 120 days to respond. You must respond within 120 days or the copyright application will be deemed abandoned. 8. File Early, File Often: To claim statutory damages, you must file your copyright application within three (3) months of the first publication of the work, or prior to publication of the work (as an unpublished work). Note: Work Made For Hire: As a general rule, if a company or corporation is the owner of the copyright and the work was created in the course of employment or by a principal, then the work is considered a work made for hire and the "work made for hire" box must be checked on the application form. Also, in this situation you can not use the short forms, but must use the long forms.