Copyrighting a film at Library of Congress at DVinfo.net

Greg Quinn · January 2nd, 2010, 04:37 AM

Would any filmmakers here who've copyrighted a video or film themselves (as opposed to hiring an IP attorney) at the Library of Congress like to share whether they found the process relatively straightforward? Also, has anyone used the expedited process for doing this?
(it will not be construed as legal advice, evidence of client-attorney privilege, etc. etc. etc.)
Thanks
Greg

Rick L. Allen · January 2nd, 2010, 09:10 AM

It's really fairly easy. Go to the Library of Congress website, fill out the online form, send in 2 copies of your work and pay your $35. If there are problems with your application you'll get an email from the LOC and then you can solve the issue. You'll receive an official document from the LOC recognizing your copyright. Easy. I've used this process for all my programs.

You don't need an attorney to do this. BTW the act of creation creates copyright, registering solidifies your rights.

Greg Quinn · January 2nd, 2010, 05:46 PM

Thanks Rick, much appreciated!

Greg Quinn · January 3rd, 2010, 12:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rick L. Allen

BTW the act of creation creates copyright, registering solidifies your rights.

I think it's a very important practical distinction; my understanding is that LOC copyrighting is required to claim statutory damages and the lawyers fees back, presumably making it far more easy to get a lawyer involved in a clear-cut case of copyright infringement for those of us who don't have lawyers on retainers.

Steve House · January 3rd, 2010, 07:36 AM

Yes, it's a good idea to register your copyright for the reasons you mentioned. Rick was just pointing out that your copyright exists whether you register it or not and that the registration process is simple enough to DIY without a lawyer's assistance.

January 2nd, 2010, 04:37 AM	#1
Greg Quinn Major Player Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: San Diego, California Posts: 505	Copyrighting a film at Library of Congress Would any filmmakers here who've copyrighted a video or film themselves (as opposed to hiring an IP attorney) at the Library of Congress like to share whether they found the process relatively straightforward? Also, has anyone used the expedited process for doing this? (it will not be construed as legal advice, evidence of client-attorney privilege, etc. etc. etc.) Thanks Greg

January 2nd, 2010, 09:10 AM	#2
Rick L. Allen Major Player Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Fayetteville, NC Posts: 536	It's really fairly easy. Go to the Library of Congress website, fill out the online form, send in 2 copies of your work and pay your $35. If there are problems with your application you'll get an email from the LOC and then you can solve the issue. You'll receive an official document from the LOC recognizing your copyright. Easy. I've used this process for all my programs. You don't need an attorney to do this. BTW the act of creation creates copyright, registering solidifies your rights. __________________ "The good thing about science is that it's true whether you believe it or not." Neil deGrasse Tyson https://www.nautilusproductions.com/

January 3rd, 2010, 07:36 AM	#5
Steve House Inner Circle Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Hamilton, Ontario, Canada Posts: 5,742	Yes, it's a good idea to register your copyright for the reasons you mentioned. Rick was just pointing out that your copyright exists whether you register it or not and that the registration process is simple enough to DIY without a lawyer's assistance. __________________ Good news, Cousins! This week's chocolate ration is 15 grams!

January 2nd, 2010, 05:46 PM	#3
Greg Quinn Major Player Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: San Diego, California Posts: 505	Thanks Rick, much appreciated!