You probably know that its a good idea to register your work with the US Copyright Office, but do you know the full benefit of registering your copyright? To better understand the benefits that accompany a registered copyright, you should understand what copyright is. A copyright is legal protection of your original material. More specifically, it is proof that you OWN the material. This means that your work becomes your property. In the 1908 Supreme Court case of Continental Paper Bag v. Eastern Paper Bag, the court decided that copyright held the same rights as intellectual property, which holds the same legal rights as physical property.
What this means is that you have the legal right to stop others from stealing your property in a court of law. By understanding the benefits of copyright protection, you can fully utilize the control you have of your work.
One benefit of registering your work includes being able to sell your copyright under your own terms. For example, if you write a song then you can sell that song to a band or record company while ensuring that all credit goes to you. This includes licensing your work while still holding ownership. You also have the right to object your work's use if it becomes distorted in the hands of those you licensed it to.
The last thing that anyone wants is to bring a dispute to court. It does become necessary, however, and there is no better tool than a good lawyer and a registered copyright. What judge can argue with hard evidence such as a legally registered date? A registered copyright will give its owner the ability to declare damages and a ensure a favorable decision nine times out of ten.
Of course, registering your work with the US Copyright Office is not legally required. You own the rights to your work the moment you begin to create it. Obtaining a registered copyright, however, is the only way to legally protect yourself should a dispute arise. Therefore, it is highly recommended that you protect yourself in any and every way possible.
