Registering a copyright

SHAkers718

Senior Member
Based on this thread:

http://nikonites.com/photography-bu...t-usage-rights-suing-money.html#axzz3j67s6i4W

I contacted a lawyer to inquire about the cost associated with registering a copyright. The fee he quoted to me was "$385 per work for a published work. [. . .] Another option is to file the photos in a single application as a compilation or collection of photos... . However, the compilation or collection must be published together. A publication is a display of the photos to the general public... posted together on a single website page ..." Preferably labeled as a collection under a single title. [Emphasis added].

Based on @WayneF's post that it was easy and inexpensive and also his subsequent post about it costing $35, I googled and found this fee schedule:

Fees| U.S. Copyright Office

Seems to me the law firm must be charging $350/hr. for their services/expertise. (Would it even take them an hour if this is their specialty?). I have often heard the adage, "a person who acts as their own lawyer has a fool for a client." However, if this is simply a matter of filling out & filing a form correctly & paying a nominal fee... I think I could handle it. And what would you call a collection? My Photos from the 21st Century? So it could encompass as many as possible. Obviously I am not a professional, but I do have dreams/goals! ;) And I would like what is rightfully mine to remain so and not to be taken advantage of if on the off-chance there was someone unscrupulous who found something worthwhile in my "collection."

Just thought I would add this information as a separate thread since it does not specifically address the question of the OP regarding his recourse for a verbal "contract" of sorts.
 

WayneF

Senior Member
$350/hr seems a bargain for any lawyer. :) They charge more than that to have their office assistant make out a standard will, just plugging in some names.

It is very simple. The hard part is to read the FAQ about Copyright thoroughly, but definitely do that. Stay out of the special procedures, but it says:

Option 1: Online Registration

Online registration through the electronic Copyright Office (eCO) is the preferred way to register basic claims for literary works; visual arts works; performing arts works, including motion pictures;sound recordings; and single serial issues. The filing fee is $35 if you register one work by a single author who is also the claimant and the work is not made for hire. Otherwise, the fee for online registration is $55


I did a book for $35 by simply just filling out the form and sending two copies of the work. Actually three times, I updated revisions a couple of times later. A CD or DVD of images is also one work. Making this part up, but I'd include the words "your work" in the description.

All that really happens then is they send you a copyright number and file your copies away. Then if you do end up in court (copyright is a special Federal court, the legal expense and costs are said to be very awesome, but you can be awarded costs and damages and punitive too ... however collecting it can be a different matter)... then the Washington lawyers can confirm the work is the same as your registered entry, and confirm your date of claim. You would want a copyright lawyer then. But your copyright will be overwhelming evidence of your claim date, unless the other party has a similar registration of it with an earlier date. Just having the copyright number is formidable and excellent out-of-court support, not much argument about it (the threat is that they are being taken to an expensive court that they cannot win). That is its purpose. And court is not an option unless you have the registration.

My own only experience is paying the $35.
 
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