What can be copyrighted?

Original works of authorship including: literary works, music and lyrics, dramatic works, choreography, visual arts (paintings, photos, sculptures), movies and audiovisual works, sound recordings, architectural works, and software.

Do I need to register to have a copyright?

Copyright exists automatically when you create an original work. However, registration provides significant legal advantages including the ability to sue for infringement and recover statutory damages and attorney's fees.

What's the difference between copyright and trademark?

Copyright protects original creative works (books, music, art). Trademark protects brand identifiers (names, logos, slogans) used in commerce. They're different types of IP serving different purposes.

How long does copyright protection last?

For works created today: lifetime of the author plus 70 years. For works made for hire or anonymous works: 95 years from publication or 120 years from creation, whichever is shorter.

What are statutory damages?

If registered before infringement (or within 3 months of publication), you can recover $750-$30,000 per work infringed, or up to $150,000 for willful infringement—without proving actual damages.

Can I register software?

Yes, software code is protectable as a literary work. You can register both source code and object code, with options to redact trade secrets from the deposit.

What's a deposit copy?

The deposit is a copy of your work submitted with the application. Requirements vary: for published books, it's usually 2 copies; for digital works, it's electronic files; for photos, high-res digital copies.

Can I copyright a logo?

A logo with sufficient creative expression can be copyrighted as visual art. However, logos should also be trademarked for brand protection. The two protections work together.

Copyrights practice · Registration · Enforcement

Register your copyright with attorneys.

US (USCO) and India copyright registration from $195. DMCA takedown notices ($195) and copyright licensing (from $695) for ongoing enforcement. Every filing drafted by a US-licensed attorney, never paralegal-only.

Attorney-Led Service · United States

Your filing is handled end-to-end by our licensed attorneys and IP specialists.

Trusted by 7,500+ brands

Trustpilot

Upwork · Top Rated Plus

Transparent pricing

No hidden fees. Know exactly what you'll pay before you start.

US Copyright (USCO)

$195

+ $45-$125 govt fee

Attorney-drafted, USCO eCO filing

India Copyright

$295

+ ₹500-₹5,000 govt fee

Filed via Copyright Office of India

Start Your Application

Registration process

Typical timeline: 3-10 months (standard); 2-6 months (limited examination)

Work Preparation

Identify the work, authorship, and publication status. Prepare deposit copies.

1-2 days

Application Filing

File electronically with the US Copyright Office through eCO system.

Same day

Deposit Submission

Upload or mail deposit copies of the work (requirements vary by work type).

1-2 days

Examination

2-8 months

Registration Certificate

Certificate of registration issued with registration number.

1-2 weeks after approval

Ready to protect your brand?

Start Your Free Trademark Check

Why Register in United States?

Prima facie evidence of validity and ownership
Statutory damages ($750-$150,000 per work infringed)
Attorney's fees recoverable in infringement suits
Required before filing infringement lawsuit
Establishes public record of your claim
Registration within 5 years is prima facie evidence
Can record with US Customs against imports
Lifetime of author + 70 years protection

What You'll Need

Complete copy of the work (deposit)
Author and claimant information
Date of creation and publication (if published)
Brief description of the work
Certification of accuracy

Protect Your Brand Today

GTC attorney working on a United States trademark filing

Built around you

Attorney-led United States filings

Your United States application is prepared, filed, and prosecuted by a qualified attorney — not a form template. You get one point of contact from search through certificate.

Frequently asked questions

Talk to a senior attorney

Ready when you are.

A free 30-minute consult with a senior attorney. No sales pitch — clear advice on what you should do next.

Book my free 30-min consult Or send us a message