FYI
How can I secure a copyright?
This is a frequently misunderstood topic because many people believe that you must
register your work before you can claim copyright. However, no publication, registration
or other action in the Copyright Office is required to secure copyright. Copyright is
secured automatically when the work is created, and a work is "created" when it is fixed
in a $BED(Bopy or a phonorecord for the first time.” For example, a song can be fixed in
sheet music or on a CD, or both. Although registration with the Copyright Office is not
required to secure protection, it is highly recommended for the following reasons:
* Registration establishes a public record of the copyright claim.
* Registration is necessary before an infringement suit may be filed in court (for
works of U. S. origin).
* If made before or within 5 years of publication, registration establishes prima
facie evidence in court of the validity of the copyright and of the facts stated in the
certificate.
* If registration is made within 3 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. Otherwise, only an award of actual damages and
profits is available to the copyright owner.
* Registration allows the owner of the copyright to record the registration with the
U. S. Customs Service for protection against the importation of infringing copies.
http://www.uspto.gov/web/offices/dcom/olia/copyright/copyrightrefresher.htm
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