Copyright Registration attorneys

What is copyright registration?

Copyright registration is the formal process of recording your original creative works with the U.S. Copyright Office, establishing a public record of your copyright ownership. While copyright protection automatically exists from the moment you create an original work in a fixed form, registration provides crucial legal benefits that aren't available to unregistered works.

Copyright can protect various types of creative works, including:

• Literary works (books, articles, blog posts, software code)
• Musical compositions and sound recordings
• Visual arts (paintings, photographs, sculptures)
• Dramatic works (plays, screenplays)
• Audiovisual works (movies, TV shows, online videos)
• Architectural works
• Choreographic works

Registration requires submitting an application to the U.S. Copyright Office along with a filing fee and a copy of the work (known as a deposit copy). Once registered, your copyright will be protected for the author's life plus 70 years for most works created today.

Do you need an attorney for copyright registration?

While the U.S. Copyright Office allows individuals to register copyrights without an attorney, working with an Intellectual Property (IP) attorney offers significant advantages, especially for works with commercial value or complex ownership structures.

For copyright registration, an IP attorney can:

• Determine the best registration strategy for your specific work
• Ensure you're registering in the correct category and format
• Help identify all protectable elements of your work
• Address complicated ownership questions
• Maximize protection through strategic application approaches
• Handle any issues that arise during the examination process
• Advise on registration timing to protect your enforcement rights

For straightforward registrations of single works with clear ownership, self-filing may be sufficient. However, for works that generate income, involve multiple contributors, or might require future enforcement, professional guidance helps avoid mistakes that could limit your rights.

When should you hire an attorney for copyright registration?

The best time to consult with an IP attorney about registration depends on the nature of your work and how you plan to use it:

• For commercially valuable works: Before or soon after publication
• For works at risk of infringement: As early as possible (ideally before distribution)
• For works with multiple authors or complex ownership: Before finalizing agreements between contributors
• For works where registration strategy matters: Before submitting any applications
• For works that have been rejected: After receiving correspondence from the Copyright Office

While copyright protection begins automatically when you create your work, registration should be completed within three months of publication (or before any infringement occurs) to preserve your right to statutory damages and attorney's fees in infringement lawsuits.

Benefits of working with an IP attorney on copyright registration

Copyright registration involves strategic choices that can significantly impact the strength and scope of your protection. An attorney provides professional guidance that helps optimize these decisions. They can also walk you through vulnerabilities and show you what is not protected, so that you can find the best way to protect your IP.

Strategic application planning

Different types of works have different registration requirements and options. Your attorney will help determine the most advantageous registration approach, such as whether to register multiple works as a collection, how to handle different versions of a work, or how to address works with both registered and unregistered elements. They'll ensure your application maximizes protection while meeting all Copyright Office requirements.

Clear ownership documentation

For works involving multiple creators, employers, contractors, or transfers of rights, establishing clear copyright ownership is crucial. Your attorney will help address complex ownership issues, ensure proper documentation of rights transfers, and structure your registration to accurately reflect ownership status, preventing potential disputes later.

Professional response to Copyright Office actions

If the Copyright Office raises questions or issues with your application, your attorney will respond effectively to these communications. They understand examiner concerns and know how to address them without unnecessarily limiting your protection. This professional judgment often results in successful registration, where self-filers might face rejection.

How much does copyright registration cost?

Copyright registration costs include both government fees and attorney services, depending on the type of work and registration option chosen.

At Lawhive, we believe in transparent pricing with no hidden costs. You'll know exactly what you're paying for at each step of the way. Attorney services for copyright registration typically include application preparation, deposit copy advice, and handling any correspondence with the Copyright Office.

How long does the copyright registration process take?

The U.S. Copyright Office currently processes most electronic applications in approximately 4-7 months, though processing times vary based on complexity and current workload. Paper applications typically take significantly longer, often 10-14 months.

For works at particularly high risk of infringement or that need registration for pending business deals, the Copyright Office offers a special handling option for an additional fee. Special handling typically reduces processing time to about 10 business days, though this expedited service is intended only for specific urgent situations.

Your attorney will help you understand the current expected timeline based on your specific type of work and application method, and can advise whether expedited processing would be beneficial in your situation.

What you can expect from a Lawhive attorney

From day one, your Lawhive IP attorney is here to make the registration process straightforward and effective. You'll speak with our experienced team right away so we can understand your creative work and what protection you need. Then you'll get a clear idea of the costs and what you can expect to pay.

We work with vetted IP attorneys who understand both the creative and legal aspects of copyright protection. They'll take the time to understand your work, explain your options in plain English, and guide you through every step of the registration process - from application preparation through successful registration.

With Lawhive, you get professional legal help that's responsive, straightforward, and focused on what matters most: securing proper copyright registration to protect your valuable creative works.

Get started with your Intellectual Property attorney

Legal support that’s accountable and designed to move your Intellectual Property case forward.

Get started