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Baylor BU Copyright For Students How to get your own copyright
  • Why Should You Care?
  • Don't Steal
  • Free Stuff or Nearly Free
  • How to get your own copyright
  • Get Permission
  • Copyright Basics

How to get your own copyright

As soon as they are created, all works are protected by statutory copyright. BUT, even though we have statutory copyright, there are some good reasons to register your work with the U.S. copyright office, including:

  • Proof of the validity of your copyright.
  • Registration must be made before an infringement in order to qualify to receive attorneys fees and/or statutory damages.
  • Registration is necessary in order to bring suit for copyright infringement.
  • If the work was published between 01/01/1978 and 03/01/1989, registration cuts off defenses that an infringer might be able to assert.

(From Tad Crawford's, Legal Guide for the Visual Artist).

You can use snail mail to request a copyright kit from:

Copyright Office, Library of Congress
Washington D.C. 20559

You can view information on their website and download the forms you need by going to:

  • http://lcweb.loc.gov/copyright
Baylor BU Copyright For Students How to get your own copyright
  • For Creators
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    • Fair Use
    • Frequently Asked Questions
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    • Copyright Basics
    • Frequently Asked Questions
    • Google Book Settlement
  • For Students
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    • Why Should You Care?
    • Don't Steal
    • Free Stuff or Nearly Free
    • How to get your own copyright
    • Get Permission
    • Copyright Basics
  • Resources
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    • Baylor-Specific Information
    • Copyright Basics
    • More on Copyright
    • More on Scholarly Communication
    • Requesting Permission
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