How to Copyright a Photo CD

Registering a copyright seems like it would be a daunting process, and, indeed, it used to be. With people creating in all sorts of media, both digital and physical though, the process for the average user to copyright a work has been streamlined. For $35 and the cost of postage, you can file an application online with the United States Copyright Office. After they review the contents of your photo CD to make sure nothing on there is already copyrighted by someone else, you will receive an official United States Copyright.

• 1

  Create an account at the United States Electronic Copyright Office.

• 2

  Log in using your new account information.

• 3

  Click on "Register a New Claim."

• 4

  Enter the information about your photo CD. This will likely include what photos are on the CD, the format of the CD, and the method you used to make the CD. To speed up processing time, enter as much information as possible.

• 5

  Click on "Make Payment."

• 6

  Enter your credit card information to make a one-time payment of $35. This filing fee is a reduced version of the old $50 for mailed applications.

• 7

  Send one copy of your photo CD (two if it is a commercial product) to the copyright office nearest you. The website will give you the address after you submit the payment.