Helpful Tips - Copyrights
By law, you automatically own the copyright to any work you have created.
It is a good idea, however, to have a copyright notice on the back of your title page. The notice should include the letter �c� in a circle or the word �copyright,� the year of publication, and the owner of the copyright. For example: �� 2016 Whitehall Printing Company.� Also include the statement: �All rights reserved.�
Within 3 months of publishing your book, you may also register the copyright, thus establishing a public record of your claim.
To register, send a properly completed application form, the required filing fee, and 2 copies of your book to the following address:
Library of Congress
Copyright Office
101 independence Avenue S.E.
Washington, D.C. 20559-6000
You must choose from one of four application forms, depending upon the kind of work you are publishing. The descriptions below should help you decide which form is best suited for your book.
- Form PA: for works of the performing arts (musical and dramatic works)
- Form SE: for serials, works issued or intended to be issued in successive parts bearing numerical or chronological designations and intended to be continued indefinitely (periodicals, magazines, annuals, journals, etc.)
- Form TX: for non-dramatic literary works
- Form VA: for works of the visual arts (pictorial, graphic, etc.)
Application forms are available from the Copyright Office Website: www.copyright.gov, or by calling the Forms and Publications Hotline at 202-707-9100.
You may access a wealth of additional information by:
- fax-on-demand - 202-707-2600
- telephone - 202-707-3000
- or on the web www.copyright.gov
