What is a copyright?

A copyright is a mark that indicates a form of protection provided by the laws of the United States (Title 17 of the U.S. Code) to authors of “original works of authorship” that are fixed in tangible forms of expression. These include literary, dramatic, musical and certain other intellectual works, such as computer programs and Web sites. A copyright does not protect facts, ideas, systems, or methods of operation, although it may protect the way these things are expressed.

How Does c-Site Basic work?

To file a copyright registration application through c-Site:

• Purchase a copyright application from an authorized c-Site licensee.
• Log in to your customer account and launch c-Site.
• Complete the simple three-step application process. Most people complete this process in less than 10 minutes.
• When you are done, you will have submitted both your application and an electronic copy of the work you want to protect with a copyright registration. Upon receipt, your work is encrypted so as to provide you the greatest possible protection.
• c-Site reviews your application and work and contacts you with any questions. (However, there is no guarantee the Copyright Office will approve your application, nor is there any guarantee the Copyright Office will not raise additional questions or issues regarding either your application or work.)
• c-Site then: (i) emails you a printable application and easy filing instructions; and (ii) deletes your encrypted work from its files. c-Site's services are then complete.
• It is then your responsibility to file your application, work, and the mandatory filing fee, with the Copyright Office.
• Your application will then be in the hands of the Copyright Office. If the Copyright Office has questions, it will contact you directly. Note that it can take a few months for the Copyright Office to issue a decision.

How Long Does Copyright Protection Last?

The Sonny Bono Copyright Term Extension Act, signed into law on October 27, 1998, amends the provisions concerning duration of copyright protection. Effective immediately, the terms of copyright are generally extended for an additional 20 years. Specific provisions are as follows:

For works created after January 1, 1978, copyright protection endures for the life of the author, plus an additional 70 years. In the case of a joint work, the term lasts for 70 years after the last surviving author’s death.

For anonymous and pseudonymous works and works made for hire, the term will be 95 years from the year of first publication or 120 years from the year of creation, whichever expires first.

There are different terms for: (i) works created, but not published or registered, before January 1, 1978; (ii) works created prior to January 1, 1978, yet still in their original or renewal term of copyright. If these circumstances apply to your work, you may need to consult an attorney or the U.S. Copyright Office for additional information.

What Can I Protect With c-Site?

c-Site's copyright registration services are currently limited to applications for published and unpublished:

1. Non-dramatic literary works (for example, books, poetry, essays, lectures, computer programs, Web sites, etc.).
2. Performing arts works, including lyrics, music, lyrics and music, dramatic works (with or without accompanying music) such as motion picture screenplays, scripts for television, radio and theatre, choreography and pantomime, motion pictures, and other audiovisual works.
3. Visual arts works, including two-dimensional artwork (for example, company logos, digital illustrations), photographs, drawings, paintings, murals, reproductions of works of art, maps, sculpture, architectural and other technical drawings, game rules, greeting cards, comic strips, and fabric designs.
4. c-Site does not provide copyright registration services for Sound Recordings (this refers to the editorial work involved in the recording, not the artist's performance itself).

Do I Have to Send in a Copy of My Work to c-Site? Will I Get it Back?

First, you should know that the U.S. Copyright Office requires that you submit (with your application) a copy of the work you want registered (otherwise known as the “deposit”). The Copyright Office does not return your work. All copies, phonorecords, and identifying material, including those deposited in connection with claims that have been refused registration, are the property of the United States Government.

Second, you should know that c-Site does not retain a copy of your work, which you forward to c-Site electronically. Upon receipt of your work, c-Site encrypts it so as to provide you the greatest protection possible. After c-Site sends an email message with your application and filing instructions to you, it deletes the encrypted copy of your work from its files.

With c-Site's Express Filing service, once c-Site reviews and forwards your application and work to the Copyright Office, the encrypted copy of your work is deleted.

Ultimately, only you and the Copyright Office have copies of your work — not c-Site.