Copyright? How does it work?

Question

If I wanted to copyright something, say a song or poem, how would I go about doing this? Always been curious!

Answer 1

Well, for us poor folks who write too much, and earn too little, there is a little trick, which allows you to prove that said items are of your creation -

put them in an envelope (making sure you have a copy yourself, of course) and sending them to yourself via registered mail. keep that envelope sealed, just in case. Now you have government dated proof that the work is your creation. It's not quite as fool-proof as getting a copyright (and I see that someone has already been kind enough to explain that process), it is a work-around, and an insurance policy, in case anyone attempts to steal your ideas.

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

You send a copy of your work along with a filled-out copyright form and about $30 to the copyright office... You can find forms online to print out and mail in.

Answer 4

it's automatically copyrighted unless you say otherwise, as long as you put your name on it (because if you don't, then you can't prove you actually wrote it, if you wanted to sue someone).

but automatic copyright is bad. go read about Creative Commons (try the Wikipedia article). :)

Answer 5

Here is the website and forms below choose your poison ma'dear:

http://www.copyright.gov/forms/