Fequently Asked Questions
Copyrights
What are the basic filing requirements for filing a copyright application with Library of Congress?
The basis filing requirements, in order to filing a copyright application, are:
1) The full legal name(s) and the complete address of each author of the work;
2) Three (3) copies of the work to be registered;
3) The full legal name(s) and the complete address of any copyright claimant, if other than the author(s) of the work;
4) An indication of how the copyright claimant claims rights in the work to be registered, e.g., a work made for hire, by assignment, a specially commissioned work, etc.;
5) An identification of any preexisting work and what modification(s) and/or addition(s) are made to such preexisting work, complete listing of all of the goods and/or services to be covered by the copyright.
Must the copyright application be signed by the Applicant?
A: No, the copyright application can be filed the one of our attorneys provided that the Applicant confirms that all of the statements, which are made in the copyright application that is prepared and forwarded to the Applicant for review and approval, are correct and accurate. A copyright application is generally mailed to the Library of Congress and provided with an effective as of the date of receipt by the Library of Congress.
Can a copyright application/registration be assigned?
A: Yes, it is possible to assign a copyright application or a copyright registration. All that is required is a suitable Assignment for recordation with the Library of Congress.
Is there a surcharge for late filing of the Assignment?
A: No, there is not any surcharge associated with late filing of a copyright Assignment or any other document to be recorded with the Library of Congress. However, there is an associated recordal fee per document to be recorded with the Library of Congress.
Must any foreign language Assignment be accompanied by an English language translation thereof?
A: Yes, each foreign language Assignment, or other document affecting title of the copyright application or registration, should be accompanied by an English language translation thereof. To simplify transfer, many clients request our office to prepare and forward a suitable Assignment for review and signature by the necessary parties. In order for our office to attend to the same, please provide our office with the complete legal names of the Assignee(s) and Assignor(s), the complete addresses for all parties, the type of entity of each party (individual, corporation, partnership, joint stock company, etc.), and specifically identify each intellectual property to be assigned. Our office will then prepare and forward a suitable Assignment for review and signature by the necessary parties.