Asked by: Thomas Cooper

The U.S. Copyright Office says that you obtain a copyright on a creative work automatically at the time of creation. This means that you can copyright creative ideas like fictional characters, music and art, simply by putting those ideas into a tangible form.

Can you copyright an idea or concept?

Copyright does not protect ideas, concepts, systems, or methods of doing something. You may express your ideas in writing or drawings and claim copyright in your description, but be aware that copyright will not protect the idea itself as revealed in your written or artistic work.

How do I make my own copyright?

To register your copyright, you need to go to the eCO Online System, create an account, and then fill out the online form. There’s a basic fee of $35 if you file online. The processing times are generally faster if you apply online, but eFiling still takes between three and four months, according to Copyright.gov.

How do you protect an idea?

The five essential legal tools for protecting ideas are patents, trademarks, copyrights, trade dress unfair competition laws, and trade secrets. Some of these legal tools can also be used creatively as marketing aids, and often more than one form of protection is available for a single design or innovation.

Can you copyright for free?

No copyright registration is needed to protect your writing, and no fee is required. Although registering your copyright is voluntary, there are reasons you might want to take that step.

Can I copyright my content?

To register your content with the US Copyright Office, visit copyright.gov to get started. Online registration usually costs between $35 and $55, and you’ll have to send a copy of your completed work to the U.S. Copyright Office either through the mail or via its website.

Can I self copyright?

The practice of sending a copy of your own work to yourself is sometimes called a “poor man’s copyright.” There is no provision in the copyright law regarding any such type of protection, and it is not a substitute for registration.

How long does copyright last?

The term of copyright for a particular work depends on several factors, including whether it has been published, and, if so, the date of first publication. As a general rule, for works created after January 1, 1978, copyright protection lasts for the life of the author plus an additional 70 years.