When is copyright registration required?


By Andrew Hudson  October 31, 2013

When you want to be able to get statutory damages and attorney’s fees in a court case for infringement.

“Before an infringement suit may be filed in court, registration is necessary for works of U.S. origin.”
U.S. Copyright Office, Circular 1

“If registration is made within three months after publication of the work or prior to an infringement of the work, statutory damages and attorney’s fees will be available to the copyright owner in court actions. Otherwise, only an award of actual damages and profits is available to the copyright owner.”
U.S. Copyright Office, Circular 1

Add Your Comment

Comment:

Name:

Email (optional):

Submit your comment: