Hi there...my question is about how to register a product made by me like commercial photography?
Question:
So ...I will appreciate any suggestions
Answer:
1. After January 1, 1978, all artworks created are automatically protected by copyright the moment they're made.
2. You need NOT register with the U.S. Copyright Office to secure the copyright.
3. You will retain your copyright even if you sell the work itself (unless you have specifically sold the copyright).
4. Including a copyright notice is NOT necessary to protect your rights; however if you want enhanced copyright protections it is VERY prudent to include a copyright notice with your work everywhere the work is shown (internet, galleries, published in any way, etc.).
5. The copyright notice should appear as follows: the copyright symbol itself ("C" with a circle around it), the word "copyright, your name, the year the work was created. Sometimes the phrase "All Rights Reserved" adds further notice that the work is copyright protected.
If a copyright notice is affixed, nobody can say that they "innocently infringed" upon the work, which is a critical distinction because courts can give a dramatically reduced award to the copyright holder if the case is determined to be deemed as "innocent infringement." Court costs are almost never awarded if it is "innocent infringement," and this could be a huge part of the expenses you undertake to protect your copyright.
6. Registrating your copyright does offer additional protections (even though you don't technically need to do so under the current law). You need to have your work registered prior to any legal action against an infringer. If it was registered PRIOR to the infringement suit, you may be eligible for both attorney's fees and statutory damages. It needs to be clear that if you did not register, you may only be eligible to recover "actual damages" which in many cases could be less than 10% of your court expenses.
7. Registering with the Copyright Office is easy, inexpensive and fast. It costs $30.00 per registration. You need to use the correct form at: Registrar of Copyrights, United States Copyright Office, Library of Congress, 101 Independance Ave. SE, Washington, DC 20559-6000.
More Questions & Answers...