How to Copyright Your Artwork
How to Copyright Your Artwork is an important step in protecting your creative work. The moment you create an original piece of art, it is automatically protected under copyright law. You do not need to register your work with the U.S. Copyright Office for it to be safeguarded. However, how to copyright your artwork in the most legally secure way involves registration, which offers significant advantages.
One key benefit of registering your copyright is that it establishes an official public record with a specific date, strengthening your case in the event of an infringement claim. Additionally, if you need to take legal action against unauthorized use, copyright registration is a required step before filing a lawsuit. Understanding how to copyright your artwork ensures that you have the necessary legal protection in place, providing peace of mind and enforcing your rights as an artist.
Method1 Registering Your Copyright
How to Copyright Your Artwork: Preparing Your Computer for eCO
1. Optimize Your Computer for eCO Registration
Most copyrights can be registered through the U.S. Copyright Office’s electronic system, eCO. To ensure a smooth registration process, you must prepare your computer by adjusting certain settings to avoid technical issues. Follow these steps:
- Disable your browser’s pop-up blocker to prevent interruptions.
- Turn off any third-party toolbars that may interfere with eCO.
- Set your security and privacy settings to medium for optimal performance.
2. Recommended System for eCO
The U.S. Copyright Office has tested eCO using Firefox on Microsoft Windows 7 and recommends this setup for the best experience. Other system configurations may not perform as effectively, potentially leading to issues during registration.
How to Copyright Your Artwork: Understanding the eCO Process
1. Learn the eCO Registration Process
Before registering your copyright, it’s helpful to understand how the eCO system works. The U.S. Copyright Office offers a detailed tutorial presentation that guides you through the entire registration process. Reviewing this tutorial will give you a clear overview of how to file your copyright application efficiently.
2. Explore Additional Resources
If you prefer alternative explanations, several other websites provide step-by-step guides on using the eCO system. These resources can offer different perspectives and may be easier to follow than the official government tutorial.
How to Copyright Your Artwork: Completing the eCO Application
1. Access the eCO Portal and Create an Account
Once you are familiar with the eCO registration process, visit the eCO portal and create an account. This will allow you to begin the online copyright application.
2. Start a New Copyright Claim
After logging in, click “Register a New Claim” on the left-hand side of the welcome page. Follow the on-screen prompts to enter the necessary details for your copyright registration.
3. Track Your Progress
As you fill out the application, the steps on the left-hand side will be checked off. Once all sections are completed, your application will be ready for submission.
4. Submit Your Application and Pay the Filing Fee
Before submitting, carefully review all entered information for accuracy. Once confirmed:
- Click “Add to Cart” to proceed.
- The filing fee amount will be displayed.
- Click “Checkout” to move on to the payment step and complete your registration.
How to Copyright Your Artwork: Paying the Registration Fee
1. Choose a Payment Method
To complete your copyright registration, you must pay the required filing fee. The eCO system offers multiple payment options:
- Electronic Bank Transfer – Enter your bank account details to transfer the funds directly.
- Debit/Credit Card Payment – Use your Visa, MasterCard, or other accepted cards to pay securely.
2. Complete Your Payment via Pay.gov
If you choose to pay by debit or credit card, you will be redirected to Pay.gov, a secure payment platform operated by the U.S. Treasury Department. This system processes payments for government agencies, ensuring a safe and reliable transaction.
How to Copyright Your Artwork: Submitting a Copy of Your Work
1. Upload a Digital Copy (For Eligible Works)
After completing the payment, you must provide a copy of your work to the U.S. Copyright Office. In most cases, you can submit an electronic copy through eCO if your work is:
- Unpublished
- Published only in digital form
To upload your file, click “Continue” after payment and follow the instructions on the next screen.
2. Send a Physical Copy (If Required)
If your work requires a physical copy submission, follow these steps:
- Click “Create Shipping Slip” at the bottom of the screen.
- Print the slip and attach it to your package.
- Ship the parcel to the address listed on the slip.
3. Confirm Deposit Requirements
If you are unsure whether to submit a digital or physical copy, contact the U.S. Copyright Office for guidance.
How to Copyright Your Artwork: Responding to Copyright Office Communications
1. Monitor Your Email and Phone for Updates
After submitting your application, the U.S. Copyright Office may contact you via email or phone if additional information or documents are needed. It’s important to review all correspondence immediately to avoid delays in your registration.
2. Respond to Requests Promptly
If you receive a request for additional documentation or clarification, update your registration application as soon as possible to ensure smooth processing.
3. Check Your Spam Folder
To prevent missing important updates, regularly check your spam or junk folder for emails from the U.S. Copyright Office.
How to Copyright Your Artwork: Following Up on Your Registration
1. Check the Status of Your Application
To monitor the progress of your copyright registration, log in to eCO and navigate to the “Open Cases” section at the bottom of the screen.
2. View Your Case Details
Click on the blue case number linked to your claim to access detailed information about your application’s status. This allows you to stay updated on any changes or requirements for your registration.
How to Copyright Your Artwork: Basic Steps and Important Information
1. Understand the Basic Steps to Register a Copyright
Registering a copyright with the U.S. Copyright Office involves three main steps:
- Complete an application either on paper or using the eCO registration system.
- Pay the required fee.
- Deposit a copy of the work being registered.
Once you’ve completed these steps, your copyright will be officially registered.
2. Know Which Types of Work Can Be Registered Using eCO
Using eCO for registration is highly recommended due to the lower fees, faster processing, and ability to track your submission online. It also allows you to deposit certain works electronically, eliminating the need to mail them in. You can use eCO to register the following types of work:
- Literary Works
- Visual-Arts Works
- Performing-Arts Works
- Sound Recordings
- Motion Picture/Audiovisual Works
- Single-Serial Issues (e.g., a single issue of a magazine or newspaper)
For more details on these categories, refer to the U.S. Copyright Office’s guide on the different types of creative works.
3. Determine If Your Work Is Published or Unpublished
Your ability to use eCO depends on whether your work is published or unpublished. eCO can be used for:
- Any single work
- A collection of unpublished works by the same author
- Multiple published works in the same unit (e.g., a book of pictures)
A work is considered published if it has been sold, rented, leased, or offered for public distribution or performance. If your work is unpublished, you may need to deposit it by mailing a physical copy to the U.S. Copyright Office.
4. Know Your Rights as a Copyright Owner
As the copyright owner, you have the exclusive rights to:
- Reproduce the work.
- Create derivative works based on the original (altering, transforming, or building upon it).
- Distribute copies of the work.
- Publicly display or perform the work.
These rights are subject to certain limitations, including fair use.
5. Learn About Additional Rights in Visual Arts
For creators of visual arts, there are additional rights beyond the standard copyright protection, including:
- Right of attribution, which allows the author to claim authorship and prevent false attribution.
- Right of integrity, which lets the author prevent the distortion or mutilation of their work that could harm their reputation.
- Protection from intentional destruction or mutilation of the work under specific conditions.
These rights are valid for the lifetime of the author and are subject to fair use exceptions.
Method3 Protecting Your Work Online
How to Protect Your Artwork Online: Key Steps
1. Upload Low-Resolution Images
To protect your artwork when displaying it online, consider uploading low-resolution images. This allows you to showcase your work while making it more difficult for others to steal high-quality, full-size versions of your art. By using low-resolution images, you can promote your work without risking unauthorized reproduction.
2. Watermark Your Images
Watermarking your images is another effective method of protection. Use an image editor to add a translucent mark across the image, indicating that the work is yours. This makes it harder for unauthorized users to distribute your work without acknowledging its source. Additionally, you can add your name to the filename when uploading the image for added identification.
There are also technical measures to embed searchable markers in your digital files, preventing unauthorized copying and distribution, if you choose to impose such restrictions.
3. Add a Copyright Notice
Placing a copyright notice on your artwork is another form of protection. This can be done by adding the copyright symbol (©), followed by your name and the year the work was created. The notice serves as a visible reminder that the work is protected by copyright, signaling to others that you intend to safeguard it.
4. Pursue Removal of Unauthorized Copies
If you discover unauthorized copies of your work online, you can take action under the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA). This law allows you to file a takedown notice to have the unauthorized copies removed from websites in the USA. The online service provider must comply to avoid liability for infringement.
If the content is reposted after removal, you may need to pursue legal action through a counter-notification and seek a federal restraining order.
5. Register Your Copyright and Sue Infringers
If infringement continues despite warnings and complaints, you can register your copyright and then pursue legal action. By doing so, you can sue for damages, including statutory damages, attorney’s fees, and request a permanent injunction to prevent further infringement.
