How To Copyright An Idea
Discover how to protect your next million dollar idea and secure a copyright.
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Step 1:
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The Bad News
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You can't copyright an idea until it's put into a tangible form of expression. This means more than just holding it in your hands. This can be paper, CD, DVD or similar.
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Step 2:
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What's Protected?
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You can copyright a number of different kinds of work, including:
Literary works, including computer programs
Musical works,
Dramatic works,
Pantomimes and choreographic works,
Pictorial, graphic, and sculptural works,
Motion pictures and other audiovisual works, Sound recordings
and architectural works.
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Step 3:
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What's Not Protected?
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There are a number of items you can't copyright. They include:
Names, titles, short phrases and slogans
Familiar symbols or designs
Lists of items as opposed to explanations
And work consisting of common property, like the standard calendar.
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Step 4:
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Securing A Copyright
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Here's some good news. When a work is created, a copyright of it is automatically secured. If you like you can add the copyright symbol to your work.
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Step 5:
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Make It Known
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By registering your copyright, you establish a public record of your copyright which is necessary to secure before you can file an infringement suit.
To register your copyright, visit the Library of Congress's web site www.copyright.gov and fill out the appropriate form related to the type of work you intend to register.
Currently, there is a $45 fee for a copyright.
Make your check payable to The Register Of Copyrights, and place your application, fee, and a copy of your work to into an envelope and mail it to:
The Library of Congress, Copyright Office 101 Independence Avenue, S.E., Washington, D.C. 20559.
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Step 6:
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Up To Date
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Your registered copyright will remain valid 70 years after your death. If that's not long enough, you can fill out form RE to renew your copyright.
