Copyright Fees: How Much Does Copyright Cost?

The Costs of Registering Copyright and Legal Consultation

Clients:
Tupperware
Yale University School of Medicine
Tiffany & Co.
CNOOC Limited
The Boston Consulting
        Group

How Much Does Copyright Cost?

Figuring out how much it costs to establish copyright protection can seem a bit confusing for the uninitiated. There are some legal technicalities which can make the process seem a bit obscure. To start with, there are actually no costs associated with actually getting copyright protection — copyrights are granted automatically to the author of any eligible creative work. The costs associated with copyright law are actually associated with the registration of those copyrights. 

If that seems confusing, don't worry! We're here to clear up any questions you  might have about copyright costs and fees. For more information on the copyright process and registration, see our Copyright FAQ page.

Copyright Cost Estimation

The actual fees that one might experience while registering their copyright will vary significantly from case to case. There are all sorts of variables to consider. The information below is intended to provide you with a reasonably accurate estimation of the fees and costs you will face, but be aware that you may experience different costs depending on the specificities of your copyright. 

Unlike trademarks and patents, most cases of copyright registration are fairly straightforward and most of our clients have no problem registering on their own. Copyright registration can be done online, and, in fact, it is recommended.

For more complicated copyright cases, though, you may wish to seek legal counsel. Obviously, it is significantly less costly to register independently. Legal fees will vary according to the complexity of your case. 

Copyright Office Filing Fees for Individual Authors:
  • Online registration application for single author of single work (not for hire) owned by that author: $35
  • Applications and copy of work submitted electronically through eCO: $55
  • Traditional paper applications (without barcodes): $85
Copyright Office Filing Fees for Group Registrations:
  • Contributions to periodicals or database updates :$85
  • Published photographs, photograph collections, and photographic databases (form GR/CP): 
    • Electronic: $55
    • Paper: $65
  • Group of serials (Form SE/Group): $25 per serial
  • Group of newspaper dailies or newsletters: $80
  • Other fees may apply for special cases 
 Legal Consultation Fees 

Get a quote to get specific cost estimates for your copyright registration if you are in need of legal consultation. The following fees are only estimates.

  • Initial Consultation: $100
  • Preparation and Filing of Registration Application: roughly $250 for a simple application, allowing one-month turnaround. For rushed applications, complicated filings involving multiple samples, etc. allow for higher costs.