US Copywright registration

[Splungeman]

Couldnt find anything about this posted so far, but it could just be my ineptitude with the search feature. I understand you can register your artwork for copywright protection for a fee to the government of $45. If this is a Tarot deck, do you have to pay $45 for each card? $3510?!!! Or can you copywright the deck as one work of art?

[Mariana]

There are several threads, I'm sure. Maybe search for 'copyright' (spelling)?

[Splungeman]

Originally Posted by Mariana

There are several threads, I'm sure. Maybe search for 'copyright' (spelling)?

Oh yeah, there are plenty of threads on copywright. I just couldn't find anything about this specific issue.

[annabubble]

Uh, I think Mariana was saying that you might get more thread results if you spell copyright without the "w".

Sorry I can't be of more help...

[Sinduction]

One deck is considered one piece of work. So the fee, I have no idea if it is $45, would cover one deck.

[Splungeman]

Originally Posted by annabubble

Uh, I think Mariana was saying that you might get more thread results if you spell copyright without the "w".

Sorry I can't be of more help...

Ha ha! Actually I did search with the correct spelling. It's just when typing out the messages I messed up the spelling. Hukd on Fonix did werk for mi I swair!

Thanks Sinduction...that's what I was hoping for.

[Callistabell]

Hey hon, I've already found out about this. The $45 thing is the tradmarks and patents division. There's a link on this forum for a short form and a one time fee of $30 for the whole deck. The moment it's put in the mail, the cards are sort of iron clad leagally covered by copyright.

[Lewen]

I have taken a course in Intellectual Property last term, from what I have learned according to current U.S. law is that the moment your creation (be it a tarot deck or a photograph) has come into being in fixed form, it is protected by U.S. Copyright.

When I say fixed form, that is a photograph, sound recording, or printed matter or in the case of a Pantomine or choreograph in written or filmed form.

The part of mailing yourself a copy of your work (if you are able) is a myth because your work is protected once it was created. Of course, for additional protection one can register the work with the U.S.Copyright office for a $45 fee via mail and $35 via online.

Effective July 1, 2007:

$45—Basic filing fee. The fee for a paper application.

$35—Electronic filing fee. On a limited basis, a fee of $35 is in effect for electronic filing of a basic copyright registration. Online filing began in a beta test mode last year. Anyone wishing to file their registration claim electronically may submit their request form available online on the beta test page.

The most current information on copyright can be found here:

http://www.copyright.gov/

Basically your work you created is protected from the moment of creation, but if you'd like to officially register it, it provides more aid in litigation should infringement occur and gives you some protection. One has to decide that if the $45 fee is worth registering if you can't afford to sue in litigation for infringement anyway. I would register my deck if I created it just because I have paperwork that goes with it.

Just my thoughts, I hope this helps. I'm trying to find my textbook as it was a fascinating class and if I were younger, I would consider being a lawyer for Intellectual Property!

Yes, one deck is $45 to register!

[rogue]

In the link provided by Lewen there is a form you print and fill out and send a copy of your deck with to the copyright office. In a couple of months or so you'll receive the official document in the mail. It's that simple.

[Sinduction]

Haha Lew! IP was my favorite class too!

Different media need different protection.

Copyright really is all about proving your possession in litigation. But if it's a deck I think it's worth the cost if you're going to put it out into the public. As we've seen what happens to decks out there.

And the poor man's copyright does work for printed materials as it can further nail down the time of creation but this only works if the other person can't pinpoint their date before yours. Does that make sense?

I hate the law.