Stake Your Claim with Copyright
by Scott on February 19, 2007
Though all written works, including websites and computer programs, are automatically protected by copyright, authors should still register their works for increased protection. Benefits of registering include:
1. Registration provides an established public record of the copyright claim.
2. Registered copyright holders are prepared to file suit for infringement (registration is a prerequisite before a case can be filed).
3. If made within 5 years of publication, registration provides “prima facie” (i.e. legal presumption of) evidence of the validity of the copyright as stated in the certificate.
4. If made within 3 months after publication or prior to infringement, registered copyright holders can be awarded statutory damages and attorney’s fees. Otherwise, copyright holders receive only actual damages.
5. Copyright holders can register with U.S. Customs for protection against importation of infringing copies.
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