How do we get a copyright?

Copyright exists from the moment your work is created. In general, you do not need to register your copyright; however, you might find registering helpful for the following reasons:

1. You have the facts of your copyright on the public record and have a certificate of registration.
2. Registered work may be eligible for statutory damages and attorney’s fees in successful litigation.
3. If registration occurs within 5 years of publication, it is considered prima facie evidence in a court of law. (See Circular 1, Copyright section and Circular 38b Highlights of Copyright Amendments)

The United States has copyright relations with most countries throughout the world. However, the United States does not have these relationships with every country. For a listing of countries and the nature of their copyright relations with the United States, see Circular 38a, International Copyright Relations of the United States.

A copyright protects original works of authorship, while a patent protects inventions or discoveries. Ideas and discoveries are not protected by copyright law, although the way in which they are expressed may be. A trademark protects words, phrases, symbols, or designs identifying the source of the goods or services of the party and distinguishing them from those of others.