How can I protect and copyright my digital art?

Answer 1

Any original work is automatically copyrighted to the creator for the life of the creator plus an additional 70 years (www.copyright.gov).

However, telling people you have a copyright doesn't mean anything. To protect the images you display online, I'd suggest creating a watermark on them. A watermark is a semi-transparent image or word that informs viewers of the originating artist. For example, all of my display images have the words Wise Photos over them. They are located near the center of the image at about 25% opaticity. Because of their location, it's hard for someone to use photoshop to remove it, but because of the opacity, you can still see the image fine.

Answer 2

You can do this at the US Copyright Office – see the last 2 links in the source box. The application is fairly simple & the cost is $45 per application.

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!

Answer 3

http://www.copyright.gov/