How do I copyright my writing?

Sadien, Inc.

Ok... let's go through this, step by step....

"How do I copyright my writing?"

Assuming that you are in the US, your poem is entitled to federal copyright protection, as soon as it is in tangible form. In other words, once it is written on paper, or disk, it is federally protected.

That being said, you should register your Copyright with the LOC Copyright Office (see http://www.copyright.gov)

Registration is not required for copyright protection, however it is a very good idea. Registration of a work with the Copyright Office is sovereign prima facie evidence that the work is original and is owned by the registrant of the copyrighted work. Pursuant USC Title 17 Section 106a, copyright registration is a prerequisite for bringing any copyright infringement lawsuit or action. A copyright owner cannot proceed with a copyright infringement lawsuit unless the work has been registered with the LOC. (I bring this up because you're obviously concerned about protecting your book... thus, this is important information for you to know.)

"Is there somewhere I can do it for free?"

Again, once it is written, and in tangible form, it is protected, and it costs you nothing. However proving that your work is actually yours is a different story. Registration is an excellent way of proving your poem's authenticity. However, there is no way to register a work with the LOC Copyright Office, for free.

Registration can be done anytime during the "life" of the work, once the work is in tangible form. However, the sooner you register, the better.

3 Things You'll Need to Register your Work(s):

1) The proper registration form. Most likely, you'll need Form CO will cover you, if you use the eCO online system.

2) $35 for each online application, $45 for each paper application. (I highly recommend online registration via the ECO system. See http://www.copyright.gov/register/ )

3) A nonreturnable deposit of the picture(s) being registered. The deposit requirements will vary in particular situations. A deposit is usually one copy (if unpublished) or two copies (if published) of the work to be registered for copyright.

"Do sites like poetry.com and blog sites protect your writing?"

I am not familiar with "poetry.com." However, I would not advise you to publish, distribute, display or otherwise make your work known publically, until you have registered it.

I've covered the basics, however are several other factors that may effect your registration, so review www.copyright.gov's FAQ website before you continue...
http://www.copyright.gov/help/faq/

And, you probably still need to consult an attorney. ;)

Hope this helps...

G.C. Hutson, Chief Executive and Senior Partner
Sadien Intellectual Property, Inc.
http://www.sadien.com

one_shining_star

Sorry, I don't know. But poetry.com is a scam, I've dealt with that before.

Christine B

Umm... well my mom has copy wrote one of her books so i think this website should help you this is what my mother used.

http://www.pandecta.com/copy.html

I Hope it helps :D

The spider

Get a us patent. it's the only way to protect against copyrighting

Bob

Just put the following:

Copyright Â© 2009 John Smith

You can do ALT + 0169
(Have Num Lock on)

I'm pretty sure if you wish for a more assured copyright, there is an official reserve in the US or wherever that does it, but I am not completely certain.

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