Did you know...
According to federal law, you gain a "common law" copyright to a creative expression as soon as it is expressed in a "fixed medium." However, if you want to market your creative expression - be it a song, book, advertisement, work of art, computer program, or any other creative work - you'll need to officially register your copyright, and the experienced attorneys of The Dummit Law Firm are there for you every step of the way.

What is a copyright?
A copyright is the exclusive right to reproduce, sell, and distribute a work, prepare derivative works, and display the work publicly.

Why register your copyright?
If another person tries to pass off your work as their own, a common law copyright is not enough to protect you. Without a registered copyright, the burden of proof is on you to prove the work was your original idea. With a registered copyright, however, there is legal documentation that you own the rights to your creation and the burden of proof is no longer on you. The best way to protect your creation is to register your work with the Copyright Office of the Library of Congress. Once registered, you own:

• the rights to the original expression
• the rights to all copies of the expression
• the rights to all derivative works based on the original work
• the rights to all distribution of the copies
• the rights to perform the work publicly (in the case of musical, dramatic, choreographic works, motion pictures and audiovisual works)
• the rights to digital audio transmission (in the case of sound recordings)

Don't Wait!
In order to obtain the maximum benefits from the Copyright statute, you must file a copyright application prior to publication (like offering the work for sale, or by rental, or by lending it to the public) or within three months of publication.

How long does a registered copyright last?
A registered copyright lasts for the creator's lifetime plus 70 years. If your creation is a "work for hire," the copyright lasts 95 years from publication or 120 years from creation, whichever is shorter.

We can help!
The attorneys at The Dummit Law Firm can advise you as to the best methods for protecting your creative expression, review all materials and obtain all necessary information prior to preparing and submitting your copyright application.

Once a copyright is obtained, The Dummit Law Firm can assist in protecting your rights, as well as preparing agreements allowing others to use or market your expression. Copyright licensing involves detailed and creative contracts, and The Dummit Law Firm can write a contract to fit your individual needs.

A United States copyright does not automatically give you an "international copyright." There are many countries that offer protection to foreign works through international copyright treaties and conventions. The Dummit Law Firm can provide you with invaluable advice in choosing the proper markets for your copyrighted works and getting you the most protection available throughout the world.

Fees

Special - $250 - includes ALL fees, including US Patent & Trademark government fees!

How to get a copyright

Step 1 - Read and agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Statement

Click the "Read Terms & Conditions and Privacy Statement" button below. A new window will open with our Terms & Conditions and Privacy Statement. After reading the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Statement, click the "Print" button at the bottom of the page so you have a copy for your records.

Click the "Agree" button at the bottom of the window to indicate that you have read the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Statement. The window will close and you can continue with the links below.

Clicking this button does not mean that you have hired The Dummit Law Firm. It does mean that you have read the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Statement and agree that they will apply if you decide to hire us.

If you click the "Disagree" button, you will not be able to continue to Step 2.

- Terms & Conditions and Privacy Statement

Step 2 - Use our fast and simple IP Ordering System

With this form you can order trademark searches and copyright applications. Services available on this form have a fixed price. Prices quoted on this form include all communication with you for this service and administrative costs such as copying, delivering to the U.S. Patent & Trademark Office or the Copyright Office of the Library of Congress. You may submit this form online with your credit card payment via our secure server or print it and mail it with your payment by check, money order, or credit card.

- IP Ordering System page.

Step 3 - Fill Out Necessary Forms

Here are some forms you may need:

• Certificate of Confidentiality
  • This form states explicitly that all correspondence between us is confidential, including any information you provide about your property. Print this and keep it for your records.
• Retainer Agreement
  • If our work for you is not ordered through our online IP Ordering System, you will need to print this page, fill it out, sign it, and send it to us via snail mail or delivery service.
• Power of Attorney - link to form in .pdf
  • Before we can represent you before the U.S. Patent & Trademark Office or a court of law, and before we can sign any documents on your behalf, you need to print this Power of Attorney form, fill it out, and have your signature notarized before sending it to us.