How to Register a Copyright for Electronics

Introduction

When you register, you’ll need to provide specific information about the work that is being copyrighted. This can be difficult for some works, so it’s helpful to keep records of the creation of your work. Make sure that all required elements are included in your application for a complete filing date.

You Will Need to Know the Following to Complete your Application:

You will need to know the following to complete your application:

• The title of the work.
• The author’s name and address (if different from you).
• A description of how you acquired rights in this copyright, including any licenses or permissions you have granted. In addition, if applicable, please describe any additional information about who owns these rights and what they are using them for. For example: “The photograph was taken by me at [some place] on [date].” This information is useful when applying for copyright status as it helps determine whether someone else owns or has access to certain images that could be infringing upon yours.

A Copy of Computer Storage Medium is Required

ROMs are read-only memory chips. These ROMs are used in computers and video games, but they can also be found in other electronic devices. If you need to register a copyright for an electronically published work consisting of completed ROMs or ROM chips, you must submit one copy of one ROM chip or computer storage medium containing each ROM (CD-ROMs will not be accepted).

For Deposit Requirements

In order to register a copyright for electronic materials, you must submit 2 copies of the work. All electronic works that are published must be deposited with the Library of Congress.

How Long Does it Take to Process Your Registration?

Your registration will be processed within 10 business days after it is received & correctly completed.

The U.S. Copyright Office processes copyright registrations for electronic works like music, videos and software within 10 business days of receiving them (it’s an average figure–the exact processing time depends on how busy the office is at any given moment). But you can request expedited service if you need your registration faster than that.

It is Illegal to Upload Any Work that You do Not Have the Rights to

You must have the rights to use a copyrighted material and you must have the rights to upload it. Uploading copyrighted work is illegal, whether you own the article or not.

If you want to use someone else’s work, then check their copyright rules carefully before doing so. If there are no such rules available for public view, then ask them directly about their policies regarding reuse of their content.

To Complete Your Registration You Need To Attach the Following

To complete your registration, please attach the following with your application.

• A copy of the work. This can be a photocopy or scan of your original work, such as a photograph or drawing
• A completed application form for registering an original work of authorship (Form CO). You can find this form at http://www.copyright.gov/forms/formCO.pdf or at any Copyright Office location.
• The correct fee: $35 per application plus $30 per each additional item registered, $55 if registering multiple works on one application by mail, $65 if submitting via fax, $85 if submitting electronically via EFS-Web, and no fee if submitted as part of an employment claim or other legal proceeding.

Takeaway

Before you start, it’s important to understand what copyright is and why it’s necessary.

Copyright protects original works of authorship such as writing, music, art, movies and software. Copyright does not protect facts or ideas unless those facts or ideas are expressed in some fixed form. Copyright law gives creators certain exclusive rights over their work for a limited time period (the length depends on the type of work). During this time period, you can prevent others from copying your original expression without your permission by filing a formal application for registration with the U.S. Copyright Office in Washington D.C.

Conclusion

The process of registering a copyright for electronics is easy to understand and implement. You can complete it yourself in just a few minutes if you follow the steps and the tips we’ve given throughout this article. If you do not want to register your own work, there are companies who will do it for you at an affordable price. The choice is yours!