Benefits of Copyright Registration

Because copyright protection exists from the moment a work is created in fixed form, registration with the Copyright Office is not required. However, registration is recommended for the following reasons:

  • Registration provides public notice of an author's claim of copyright ownership.

  • If registration occurs within five years of publication of a work, it is considered prima facie (literally, ''on its face'') evidence in a court of law of the validity of the copyright.

  • Registered works may be eligible for statutory damages and attorney's fees in a successful infringement action.

  • Registration is a prerequisite to bringing a copyright infringement action for works of U.S. origin.

  • Registration allows the owner of the ...

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