How to Copyright Photographs
Register photographs with the U.S., File online, if possible., Save your proof of copyright.
Step-by-Step Guide
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Step 1: Register photographs with the U.S.
Copyright Office.
Technically speaking, any photograph that you take automatically belongs to you for a minimum of 25 years.In practice, however, you will need to formally register your images if you want to bring a lawsuit for infringement upon your work.
A copyright will provide solid legal evidence of your ownership, which can make it much easier to fight back against intellectual property infringements.You can register your photographs online or through the mail.
If you register your photographs, you are eligible to collect statutory damages of up to $150,000 for each copyright infringement.Avoid third-party, non-governmental copyright registration services.
You might be able to avoid fees with these services, but your claim to the copyright will not hold up so strongly in a court of law. -
Step 2: File online
If you are going through the U.S.
Patent Office, it is generally cheaper, quicker, and more straightforward to register your photographs electronically rather than sending your work through the mail.
You can register just one photograph, or a whole body of published work.Visit the U.S.
Copyright Office website to get started.It will cost you $35 to register online, and $50 to register through the mail.
The cost may vary depending on how many photos you're filing at once.The processing time for electronic copyright filing is usually up to 8 months.
The processing period for paper filing may take as long as 13 months.If you go through the mail, then you may need to save your pictures on a disc and send it in. , A matter of months after you copyright a photograph, the U.S, Copyright Office will mail you a formal copyright registration certificate.
Keep this paper proof in a secure place in case you ever need it. -
Step 3: if possible.
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Step 4: Save your proof of copyright.
Detailed Guide
Copyright Office.
Technically speaking, any photograph that you take automatically belongs to you for a minimum of 25 years.In practice, however, you will need to formally register your images if you want to bring a lawsuit for infringement upon your work.
A copyright will provide solid legal evidence of your ownership, which can make it much easier to fight back against intellectual property infringements.You can register your photographs online or through the mail.
If you register your photographs, you are eligible to collect statutory damages of up to $150,000 for each copyright infringement.Avoid third-party, non-governmental copyright registration services.
You might be able to avoid fees with these services, but your claim to the copyright will not hold up so strongly in a court of law.
If you are going through the U.S.
Patent Office, it is generally cheaper, quicker, and more straightforward to register your photographs electronically rather than sending your work through the mail.
You can register just one photograph, or a whole body of published work.Visit the U.S.
Copyright Office website to get started.It will cost you $35 to register online, and $50 to register through the mail.
The cost may vary depending on how many photos you're filing at once.The processing time for electronic copyright filing is usually up to 8 months.
The processing period for paper filing may take as long as 13 months.If you go through the mail, then you may need to save your pictures on a disc and send it in. , A matter of months after you copyright a photograph, the U.S, Copyright Office will mail you a formal copyright registration certificate.
Keep this paper proof in a secure place in case you ever need it.
About the Author
Jason Collins
Experienced content creator specializing in lifestyle guides and tutorials.
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