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In order to protect the copyright in the various works that might be created by a small business, nonprofit, or even an independent artist, our copyright attorneys help our clients to understand copyright law, the benefits of registering your copyrights, the process, and how to enforce your rights against copyright infringement.  

What is the copyright registration process?
First, the appropriate application is submitted through the electronic Copyright System (eCO). There are several different applications depending on the type of copyright we are registering:
  • Literary Works: This is content that explains, describes, or narrates a particular subject, theme, or 
  • Performing Arts: This category covers everything meant to be performed for an audience, as well as some creative works that you might not traditionally think of as being “performed,” i.e. music, lyrics, sound recordings, scripts, screenplays, choreography, motion pictures, video games, etc. 
  • Visual Arts: This includes artwork, illustrations, jewelry designs, fabric designs, architectural plans or drawings (but not standard individual features), photography, board games (but only the artwork and rulebook), and even websites. Within this category, there are also applications for groups of photographs and other unpublished works. 
  • Motion Pictures: In addition to movies, this category also covers tv shows, video games, animations, concert and music videos, powerpoint slide presentations, videos of sporting events, etc. 
  • Photographs

In addition, there are several options for registering a group of works, so that copyright registration fees don’t quickly spiral out of control. These include:
  • Groups of unpublished works
  • Short, online literary works (i.e., blog posts, social media posts, and other short, online articles)
  • Newspapers, newsletters, and other serial publications
  • Contributions to periodicals
  • Database updates
  • All of the songs on an album
  • All of the sound recordings, photos, artwork, and liner notes that are published on the same album

Finally, we will need to submit a copy of the work that is being registered to the Copyright Office. For most works, this can be done electronically, but certain types of works have special requirements. 

Do I have to register my copyrights?
Technically, your copyright exists from the moment your work is created and fixed in some tangible form. But registration confers a number of important benefits, especially, the right to sue for copyright infringement. If we don't register your copyright, then we won’t be able to enforce your rights! And registration has the added benefit of making you eligible for statutory damages and attorney’s fees. 

How much will it cost to register a copyright?
Copyright office fees vary depending on the type of work being registered, the number of authors, whether the work is a work made for hire, whether the application is submitted electronically, and whether the application is for a group of works. With that said, our copyright attorneys work on a flat fee basis so that our small business and nonprofit clients can budget for their legal needs.
Copyright Registration: $475
Copyright Office Fee:
$65 - Standard Application Fee
$85 - Group of unpublished works

Copyright Office turnaround times are typically 2-4 months, but can take up to 9 months in some cases.
Customs and Border Protection Registration: $400 per registration number
+ $190 CBP Registration Fee (per registration number and per class of goods for trademark registrations)
Copyright Assignment Agreement and Recording: $5500
+ Copyright Office Fees Vary
Work for Hire Agreement: $450
Learn More About Works Made for Hire
IP Licensing Agreement: $3,925
Add HIPPA Business Associates Agreement: +$1,000
Intellectual Property Matters: $1,375 retainer
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