Filing a Copyright Application
Self-Help Instructions for a "Single" Type Application
CLICK HERE for a page entitled "What is a Copyright" (an easy to understand overview)
There is a simplified version of copyright registration application available for works that consist of a single item AND which have a single author (the so-called "single application" as opposed to the normal "standard application").
If the item being registered qualifies for the "single application" it can be prepared and submitted without the help of a lawyer. (the filing fee is $35)
- CLICK HERE to determine if what is being registered qualifies for the "single application".
- CLICK HERE for a tutorial video tutorial on how to file a "single application"
- CLICK HERE for the Copyright Office's Online Help Page
Preparing the On-line "Single" Application
- To prepare the on-line eCO application CLICK HERE to go to the application page - for new users click the link below the "Login" button to register (and get a username and password).
- Once logged in, find the link to the "single application" under the heading "Other Registration Options" (in the column on the left side of page) click the link for "Register One Work by One Author"
- Then simply follow the instructions for creating the application (first, view the tutorial video linked above)
- After completing the application and confirming that the information is correct, click the button for "Add to Cart" at the top to proceed to the next page where "Checkout" should be clicked
- UPLOAD COPY: If your work is in a digital format you must upload a PDF digital copy into the on-line application using the button found on the "Submit Your Work" screen.
- IF YOUR WORK HAS BEEN PUBLISHED IN A PHYSICAL FORMAT (like a book) follow the instructions to mail the work to the Copyright Office after having submitted the on-line electronic application (do this even if you are also uploading a digital PDF version when submitting the on-line application ).
- To mail a physical copy print a shipping slip from the "Submit Your Work" screen. Then, in the same package, send the shipping slip and TWO copies of the work to the address shown on the shipping slip.
CLICK HERE for an overview of what happens next
To check the status of your claim, login to the eCO application page (mentioned above). Navigate to the "Open Cases" table, and click the blue case number associated with your application .