Even though registration is not generally a requirement for copyright protection, the copyright law provides several advantages to encourage copyright owners to register.  Registration establishes a public record of the copyright claim.  Before an infringement suit may be filed in the court, registration is necessary for works of U.S. origin.  17 U.S.C. §411(a).  In addition, registration also establishes a prima facie evidence of validity of the copyright.  17 U.S.C. § 410(c).  Moreover, if registration is made within three months after publication or prior to an infringement of the work, statutory damages and attorney's fees may be available to the copyright owner in court actions.  17 U.S.C. § 504.  Otherwise, only an award of actual damages and profits is available to the copyright owner.  Furthermore, registration allows the owner of the copyright to record the registration with the U.S. Customs Service for protection against the importation of infringing copies. 

Registration may be made at any time within the life of the copyright.  Thus, registration can occur before, during, or after infringement.

 Please e-mail comments, questions, or suggestions to webmaster@lawchek.net, or call 1-800-529-5121.

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