How much does it cost to register a copyright? Registering a copyright yourself is a simple and inexpensive process. The cost to copyright (register) a work on your own will be between $45 and $65 unless you need to mail in the application on paper. The filing fee increases to $125 if filing by paper. You can file yourself directly through the U.S. Copyright Office’s Registration Portal. However, if you need assistance registering your work, Carson Patents can help.
Check out our article on how to get permission from copyright owner to avoid allegations of infringement when using copyrighted material.
Carson Patents uses a 3 step process to officially register your work. In contrast to patents, registering a work and getting a copyright is fairly straightforward. You can do it yourself. Check out our 3 steps to copyright for the steps and links to the U.S. Copyright Office to do it yourself.
However, if you want help registering a work and getting a copyright, Carson Patents can do the paperwork and submittals for you. We charge $800 to prepare and file for you, including the filing fee. Contact us for help getting your copyright registration completed for you. We need a client engagement letter and payment in advance in order to proceed.
What is a client engagement letter? An engagement letter is a form of agreement between both the author and the copyright attorney. Both the author and the attorney must sign the client engagement letter before moving forward with the process. The letter outlines the estimated costs, expectations, confidentiality information, and expected time frame to complete the copyright registration.
You will receive your copyright registration certificate within 2-18 months from time of filing the application at the U.S. Copyright Office. It is possible to get a copyright registration issued in approximately a week. Accelerating the process, however, results in additional costs totaling $1280.
