Do I have to copyright each update in an educational booklet?

Question

We publish and distribute educational booklets to the public and I was curious if we had to copyright every updated version that comes out.

Answer 1

Do the updated versions contain completely new text? Or does it contain previously published material?

Either way, the US Copyright Office has provisions for both. I posted some links that should assist you further.

Despite what others state, a "poor man's" copyright is NOT the same as registering it. Here's what the US Copyright Office has to say:

"The practice of sending a copy of your own work to yourself is sometimes called a 'poor man’s copyright.' There is no provision in the copyright law regarding any such type of protection, and it is not a substitute for registration."

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