Legal Specs

How to Copyright Your Literary Works

24 May 2006

If you are trying to register any type of literary work you should follow the copyright process as explained here. Literary works can generally be described as any manuscript, book, poetry, written text or any computer program or database.

The first step is to make sure that what you are registering is a literary work. In addition to the listed items above, the following also can be categorized as literary works. Fiction, nonfiction, manuscripts, poetry , contributions to collective works , compilations of data or other literary subject matter, dissertations, theses, reports, speeches, bound or looseleaf volumes, secure tests , pamphlets, brochures, textbooks, online works , reference works, directories, catalogs, advertising copy , single pages of text, tracts, games , automated databases and computer programs .

The second step is to put together a package including either a form TX or short form TX, a check for $30 made out to the "Register of Copyrights" and a non-returnable copy of the materials that are being registered. The form TX and short form TX can be obtained at the copyright offices website at www.copyright.gov under the literary works tab.

Finally address the package to…

Library of Congress
Copyright Office
101 Independence Avenue, S.E.
Washington, D.C.20559-6000

As soon as the copyright office receives your package and confirms that it has been received in proper order your copyright is considered to be in effect. You will receive written confirmation in the mail shortly thereafter.


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Find out more great information about copyright protection at http://www.copyright-protection-zone.info/