Copyright Information

Why copyright?

Even though copyright protection is secured automatically upon creation, there are certain definite advantages to copyright registration.

Registration establishes a public record of the copyright claim.
Before an infringement suit may be filed in court, registration is necessary for works of U.S. origin. If made before or within five years of publication, registration establishes prima facie evidence in court of the validity of the copyright and of the facts stated in the certificate.
Registering for copyright allows for the claimant to receive statutory damages set out in Title 17, Section 504 of the U.S. Code, which range from $750 – $150,000, plus attorney fees, per copyright infraction
If registration is made within three months after publication of the work or prior to an infringement of the work, statutory damages and attorney's fees will be available to the copyright owner in court actions.
Also, registration allows the owner of the copyright to record the registration with the U.S. Customs Service for protection against importation of infringing copies.