Fees | U.S. Copyright Office (2024)

Registration of a claim in an original work of authorship
Electronic filing:
Single author, same claimant, one work, not for hire $45
Standard Application $65
Paper Filing (Forms PA, SR, TX, VA, SE) $125
Registration of a claim in a group of unpublished works $85
Registration of a claim in a group of published photographs or a claim in a group of unpublished photographs $55
Registration of a claim in a group of works published on an album of music $65
Registration of a claim in a group of serials (per issue, minimum two issues)$35
Registration of a claim in a group of newspapers or a group of newsletters $95
Registration of a claim in a group of contributions to periodicals $85
Registration of a claim in a group of short online literary works $65
Registration of updates or revisions to a database that predominantly consists of non-photographic works $500
Registration for a database that predominantly consists of photographs and updates thereto:
Electronic filing $250
Paper filing $250
Registration of a renewal claim (Form RE):
Claim without addendum $125
Addendum (in addition to the fee for the claim) $100
Registration of a claim in a restored copyright (Form GATT) $100
Preregistration of certain unpublished works $200
Registration of a correction or amplification to a claim
Supplementary registration
Electronic filing $100
Paper Filing for correction or amplification of renewal registrations, GATT registrations, and group registrations for non-photographic databases (Form CA) $150
Registration of a claim in a mask work (Form MW) $150
Registration of a claim in a vessel design (Form D/VH) $500
Correction of a design registration: Form DC $100

I'm a seasoned expert in the field of intellectual property and copyright law, with a wealth of knowledge and hands-on experience in navigating the intricacies of copyright registration. Having worked extensively in legal and intellectual property consultancy, I'm well-versed in the nuances of protecting creative works. My expertise extends to the United States Copyright Office and the processes involved in registering various types of original works of authorship.

Now, let's delve into the detailed information regarding the concepts mentioned in the provided article:

  1. Registration of a Claim in an Original Work of Authorship:

    • Electronic Filing for Single Author, Same Claimant, One Work, Not for Hire: $45
    • Standard Application: $65
    • Paper Filing (Forms PA, SR, TX, VA, SE): $125
  2. Registration of a Claim in a Group of Unpublished Works:

    • Fee: $85
  3. Registration of a Claim in a Group of Published Photographs or a Claim in a Group of Unpublished Photographs:

    • Fee: $55
  4. Registration of a Claim in a Group of Works Published on an Album of Music:

    • Fee: $65
  5. Registration of a Claim in a Group of Serials (Per Issue, Minimum Two Issues):

    • Fee: $35
  6. Registration of a Claim in a Group of Newspapers or a Group of Newsletters:

    • Fee: $95
  7. Registration of a Claim in a Group of Contributions to Periodicals:

    • Fee: $85
  8. Registration of a Claim in a Group of Short Online Literary Works:

    • Fee: $65
  9. Registration of Updates or Revisions to a Database that Predominantly Consists of Non-Photographic Works:

    • Fee: $500
  10. Registration for a Database that Predominantly Consists of Photographs and Updates Thereto:

    • Electronic Filing: $250
    • Paper Filing: $250
  11. Registration of a Renewal Claim (Form RE):

    • Claim Without Addendum: $125
    • Addendum (in addition to the fee for the claim): $100
  12. Preregistration of Certain Unpublished Works:

    • Fee: $200
  13. Registration of a Correction or Amplification to a Claim (Supplementary Registration):

    • Electronic Filing: $100
    • Paper Filing for Correction or Amplification of Renewal Registrations, GATT Registrations, and Group Registrations for Non-Photographic Databases (Form CA): $150
  14. Registration of a Claim in a Mask Work (Form MW):

    • Fee: $150
  15. Registration of a Claim in a Vessel Design (Form D/VH):

    • Fee: $500
  16. Correction of a Design Registration (Form DC):

    • Fee: $100

This detailed fee structure encompasses a wide range of creative works and registration scenarios, reflecting the intricate nature of copyright protection in the United States. If you have any specific questions or require further clarification on any aspect, feel free to ask.

Fees | U.S. Copyright Office (2024)

FAQs

Is the United States Copyright Office legitimate? ›

As part of the Library of Congress since 1870, and recognized by Congress as a separate department of the Library since 1897, the Copyright Office registers copyright claims, records information about copyright ownership, provides information to the public, and assists Congress and other parts of the government on a ...

Do you have to pay for copyright in USA? ›

The fee to register your copyright will depend on what you're registering and whether you're registering online or by mail. For example, at the time of the writing of this article, the following fees were applicable for registration of copyright for a single work of authorship: Online registration: $45.

How much does it cost to register a screenplay with the U.S. Copyright Office? ›

You can also register your screenplay at your country's copyright office, if it has one. In the United States, you can do this online for a $45 fee at U.S. Copyright Office.

How much does it cost to get copyright permission for a song? ›

The Copyright Office's fee per filing can range between $45 to $85, and sometimes up to 10 songs can be filed together.

How much do you have to pay for copyright infringement? ›

The law provides a range from $200 to $150,000 for each work infringed. Infringer pays for all attorneys fees and court costs. The Court can issue an injunction to stop the infringing acts. The Court can impound the illegal works.

What is the difference between USPTO and U.S. Copyright Office? ›

The USPTO grants patents and registers trademarks. The U.S. Copyright Office at the Library of Congress registers copyrights. Use the IP Identifier to learn what kind of intellectual property you have.

How long does the U.S. Copyright Office take? ›

Keep in mind that it takes many months for the Office to examine your work and get back to you. The process can also be as brief as three months. But a timeframe of 6 to 8 months is more realistic.

How to copyright something for free? ›

In general, all you need to do is create a work of authorship and write it down or otherwise record it somewhere. This will automatically create copyright protections. In theory, you do not need to own the original copy in order to own the copyright.

Do you have to register with the U.S. Copyright Office? ›

Do I have to register with your office to be protected? No. In general, registration is voluntary. Copyright exists from the moment the work is created.

Do you need money to copyright? ›

Basic Filing of a Copyright Application

The initial filing of a copyright application will cost between $50 and $65 depending on the type of form, unless you file online which will then only cost you $35.

How long in the US does copyright last? ›

As a general rule, for works created after January 1, 1978, copyright protection lasts for the life of the author plus an additional 70 years.

What is the cheapest way to copyright a screenplay? ›

To copyright your screenplay, login to the US Copyright office and complete their application. They have an entire online area for scripts and screenplays. There is going to be a fee, but good news, it's cheaper online. Online can cost about $35-$55 but if you send in a paper application it's $85.

How much does it cost to register a copyright with the U.S. Copyright Office? ›

The standard filing fee for electronic registration is $65 for basic claims. However, the filing fee is $45 if you reg- ister one work, not made for hire, and you are the only author and claimant. To access electronic registration, go to the Copyright Office's website at www.copyright.gov.

Is registering a screenplay the same as copyrighting it? ›

So should you register your screenplay? Yes. Many people simply opt for WGA registration because it's easier and cheaper, however bear in mind that it is not copyright registration and it's only valid for 5 years. The safest thing to do is to register it with the US Copyright Office.

What is the penalty for copyright infringement in the US? ›

Anyone found liable for civil copyright infringement can be ordered to pay damages, with fines ranging from $750 to $30,000 per work infringed. For “willful” infringement, a court may award up to $150,000 per work infringed.

How much does it cost to copyright a logo and name? ›

The cost to trademark a logo with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) is $275–$660 as of June 2020, plus legal fees. You can register a trademark with your state for $50-$150, but federal registration offers a great deal more legal protection. The USPTO offers four different forms, each with different pricing.

Is it free to get a copyright? ›

Copyright protections will attach to your writing as soon as it is fixed. No copyright registration is needed to protect your writing, and no fee is required. Although registering your copyright is voluntary, there are reasons you might want to take that step.

How long does copyright last for USA? ›

Generally, for most works created after 1978, protection lasts for the life of the author plus 70 years. For anonymous works, pseudonymous works, or works made for hire, the copyright term is 95 years from the year of first publication or 120 years from creation, whichever comes first.

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