Copyright question

[organicgirl6]

Hi Warriors!

I am getting ready to launch a free report on my blog to build my list. I need some copyright info...can I just put the c symbol 2009 or do I have to pay to use a copyright? Thanks!

Robin

[MarkH45]

You can just use a copyright symbol you don't have to pay...

[LB]

The moment you create it you own the copyright.

Registering the copyrighted work with the copyright office affords additional benefits like the ability to sue for statutory damages in the case of infringement.

[Jack Duncan]

LB is correct...the minute you create it you are the copyright holder...

The old way they used to tell you (poor man's registration) to place a date on your work was to place it inside a sealed envelope and mail it to yourself...and don't open it.

This way, the post office puts their stamp on the mail and as long as you don't open it, you can always prove the date that you held the copyright for the original work...

[jacktackett]

As others have said you own the copyright the moment you create the work. You have to take explicit actions to transfer your copyright. But using the symbol or words are just added protection - you can no longer lose your copyright by not using them.

You can register your copyright in the US online now for $35. You will get a bar coded form that explicitly shows you are the copyright holder. You can use this in Cease and Disist actions to stop people from using your material without permission. At least its easier to show you are the owner.

U.S. Copyright Office - Online Services (eCO: Electronic Copyright Office)

Also the registration allows you to sue for other damages - but IMHO you'd need a very good reason to go that far - and even if you do win (I've won several judgments for other items - not copyright - and never received a penny) doesn't mean you get paid!

Congrats on taking action and good luck. If there's anything I can do to help out just let me know.

best,
--Jack

[Dan C. Rinnert]

Originally Posted by Jack Duncan

The old way they used to tell you (poor man's registration) to place a date on your work was to place it inside a sealed envelope and mail it to yourself...and don't open it.

This way, the post office puts their stamp on the mail and as long as you don't open it, you can always prove the date that you held the copyright for the original work...

How could you prove that you didn't just mail a blank envelope to yourself with the flap tucked in, and then later stuff it with your documents to "prove" you wrote it first?

You could address it on the flap side, so that the postmark gets imprinted across the seal of the flap, but, there again, perhaps you loosely sealed it, added documents later and carefully resealed it.

At any rate, there really isn't such a thing as a "poor man's copyright."

U.S. Copyright Office - Copyright in General (FAQ)

[kennykencaid]

It should always take the time to copyright anything you do if you want to protect your rights.

But I'm not a lawyer, even though I make way more then most of them.

Talk soon,
Kenny Kencaid

[mikemcmillan]

Hi Organic, Yes--everyone is right here. And, the official way to present your copyright notice is as follows: [©] [the year of publication] [your name]

Or, © 2009 Organic Girl (whatever you use)

[organicgirl6]

Thank you, everyone! :-)