I'm Amy from China, What is the role or advantage of copyright registration ?

Question

Copyright registration in USA is not compulsory, but i want to know if I make registration, what advantage i can get.

Answer 1

There are 5 key reasons copyright registration is advantageous. Here's what the US Copyright Office says:

"Registration establishes a public record of the copyright claim.

Before an infringement suit may be filed in court, registration is necessary for works of U. S. origin.

If made before or within 5 years of publication, registration will establish prima facie evidence in court of the validity of the copyright and of the facts stated in the certificate.

If registration is made within 3 months after publication of the work or prior to an infringement of the work, statutory damages and attorney's fees will be available to the copyright owner in court actions. Otherwise, only an award of actual damages and profits is available to the copyright owner.

Registration allows the owner of the copyright to record the registration with the U. S. Customs Service for protection against the importation of infringing copies."

Hope that helps! I wish you much success & happiness in all your ventures!

Answer 2

If you register a copywright, no other person can use your material without your permission. Registration of the copywright is a form of legal protection against unauthorized use.
However, if you are IN china, and not just FROM china, there may be no benefit to you, because the chinese government does not honor people's copywrights.

Answer 3

Unless you register your copyright, you cannot collect monetary damages for infringement.

Other than that, there is no particular advantage.