The Female Entrepreneur Magazine January 2016 January 2016 | Page 11

January 2016

The USPS does not condone, and clearly warns
consumers not to use registered or certified, self-addressed mail as proof of
ownership. If you have something really important to you, of potential or significant
value, it is well worth the time and money to protect your interests through formal
copyright registration.
There are also online resources that you can upload digital images of material to
in order to show proof of the creation date. You are then sent email verification with a
return copy of your digital image. One free resource to try is MyFreeCopyright.com.
Copyright Tip: Only formal registration can offer you certain legal remedies. If
you have not registered a copyright, you cannot even sue someone for copyright
infringement in the United States.
And, if you did not register your copyright in a timely manner (90 days or less)
your right to recover damages in court will be severely limited.
With today's postal rates, registering a copyright is not that much more
expensive than sending yourself certified mail. You can register a copyright online for
$35 (paper applications cost $45 to file).
Why And When Should I Register A Copyright?
How Do I Apply For A Copyright?
What Is Automatic Copyright Protection?