I'm trying to start entering competitions and I don't want to get ripped off.
2007-01-11 10:57:16 · 4 answers · asked by Anonymous in Arts & Humanities ➔ Theater & Acting
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!
2007-01-12 08:21:24 · answer #1 · answered by TM Express™ 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Do what the guy said above. Make sure you sign for the document. Go into the nearest post shop and ask about copyrighting.
Technically, you don't need to put a copyright notice on a work in america. However I'd recommend putting a copyright notice as 99% of people believe that if there's no copyright, they can copy it.
To put a fully legal and officially recognized copyright on your work, just write the following at the end of the manuscript:
Copyright © (The date you created the manuscript) (Your name)
E.g.
Copyright © 2007 John Smith
That will instantly copyright it. You don't have to pay anything or submit any documents.
You can't use a (C) instead of a ©; the (C) sign is not officially recognized.
On a computer, you can make a © by doing the following:
Make sure the NUMLOCK light is on
Hold down the ALT key
Press 0, then 1, then 6, then 9.
Let go of ALT and a © will appear.
Good luck in any competitions!!!! :)
2007-01-11 19:15:00 · answer #2 · answered by Ater Atra Atrum 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
You might even consider sending it to yourself registered mail, so that you have to sign for it to receive it. That will give you proof of receipt on a certain date. It's probably a little bit overkill, but it's may be worth it for extra assurance.
2007-01-11 19:22:01 · answer #3 · answered by dpausch 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Mail a full copy to yourself, but don't open it.
The U.S. Post Office's postmark is considered proof of the manuscript's existence as of the date of the postmark in a court of law.
2007-01-11 19:06:30 · answer #4 · answered by silvercomet 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋