How To Register Copyright & U.S Copyright Law

Registering Copyright

Broadly speaking, there are two methods available for registering copyright in the United States: either online, or through traditional paper filing and is typically much quicker in delivering the certificate of registration. We recommend online filing for most applicants, and it is the preferred method for the Copyright Office. For more information on copyright registration and on U.S copyright law, see our Copyright FAQ page.

Online Filing — eCO

The Electronic Copyright Office (eCO) is the online filing system of the U.S Copyright Office. It allows for online registration of copyrights, and it offers the lowest registration costs for applicants. The system is quite easy to use once an account has been set up, and we recommend it to all our clients. See the Copyright Office website on the eCO filing system.

Traditional Paper Filing

You still have the option of pursuing traditional paper filing. It is becoming increasingly antiquated, but you can find the paper forms on the Copyright Office website. If you are going to file on paper, be sure to fill out the proper form for the type of work you are applying to register.

• Form TX for "Nondramatic Literary Works": Includes any text-based work, including computer programs.
• Form VA for "Visual Arts" works: Includes all graphical, pictorial, and sculptural works, plus architectural works and the like.
• Form PA for works of the "Performing Arts": Includes musical and dramatic works, choreography, and audiovisual work.
• Form SR for "Sound Recordings": For audio recordings and music. Both the recording and the piece of music itself can be copyrighted simultaneously. 
• Form RE for renewal of copyright in works registered under the 1909 Copyright Act (in effect prior to January 1, 1978). Not needed for any works created after January 1, 1978.
• Form CA is for providing supplemental registration for correcting or ameliorate previously submitted applications.
• Form GR/CP:  used in addition to form TX, PA or VA for registration of a group of contributions to a magazine or periodical.
• Form SE for serials: newspapers, periodicals, magazines, newsletters, journals, etc.
• Form SE/GROUP - same as form SE, but for registering a group of periodicals at once. Note: use Form G/DN for daily newspapers or newsletters.
• Form CO has been discontinued, effective July 2012.

 More information is available in the numerous Copyright Office publications.