What are the benefits of federal copyright registration?
Original works of authorship can be registered with the Copyright Office at the U.S. Library of Congress to obtain certain benefits. First, registration establishes a public record of the copyright claim. For works of U.S. origin, registration is necessary prior to filing a suit for infringement. Second, if registration is made before or within 5 years of publication, registration will establish a presumption in court of the validity of the copyright and of the facts stated in the certificate of registration. Furthermore, if registration is made within 3 months after publication of the work or prior to an infringement of the work, statutory damages and attorney’s fees will be available to the copyright owner in court actions. Finally, registration allows the owner of the copyright to record the registration with the U. S. Customs Service in order to prevent the importation of infringing copies. back to top What is the duration of copyright protection for works created on or after Janua
