I thought copyrights are free. If you wanted to start a magazine.?

Answer 1

Here's what the US Copyright Office has to say:

"Your work is under copyright protection the moment it is created and fixed in a tangible form that it is perceptible either directly or with the aid of a machine or device."

"Registration is recommended for a number of reasons. Many choose to register their works because they wish to have the facts of their copyright on the public record and have a certificate of registration. Registered works may be eligible for statutory damages and attorney's fees in successful litigation. Finally, if registration occurs within 5 years of publication, it is considered prima facie evidence in a court of law. See Circular 1, Copyright Basics, section 'Copyright Registration'"

If you want to register for a copyright, 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 2

It cost you nothing to copyright your work. If you created it, it is yours. No one is allowed to copy or publish your work without permission. You can sue someone if they do. The problem is, how do you prove the work is yours, or that you were the first to create that particular work?

Your copyright is simply that your name and date appear with your work.

To REGISTER a copyright costs money. Registering a copyright offers you more protection if you ever have to take someone to court to protect your work. Without a registered copyright on file, there are certain things for which you cannot sue.

Answer 3

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