Adding "copyright" to a video can refer to two main things: officially registering your copyright with a government office (like the U.S. Copyright Office) to establish a public record and legal protections, or adding a visual or audible copyright notice directly onto the video content itself to inform viewers of your claim. This answer will focus on the process of officially registering your video's copyright, based on the provided steps.
Registering Your Video Copyright with the U.S. Copyright Office
Registering your video copyright provides important legal benefits, including the ability to file a lawsuit for copyright infringement and potentially recover statutory damages and attorney fees. The process is primarily handled online through the Electronic Copyright Office (eCO).
Here are the steps involved in registering your video, based on the information provided:
- Go to the Electronic Copyright Office website and click on “Log in to eCO.” This is the starting point for the online registration process.
- Sign up by choosing a username and password. If you are a new user, you'll need to create an account to access the registration system.
- Fill out an electronic form registering your video. This form will require details about your video, such as the title, publication status, authors, and copyright claimants.
- Upload a copy of the video file and attach it to your completed form. You must submit a copy (called a deposit copy) of the work being registered. The eCO system allows for electronic upload of digital files.
- Pay the fee. A fee is required to process your registration application. The reference mentions the fee structure is broken down in another section, but confirms payment is a necessary step.
Completing these steps registers your video with the U.S. Copyright Office, creating a public record of your copyright claim.
Understanding the Copyright Notice (©)
Separate from official registration, you can also "add copyright" to your video by including a copyright notice. This notice is a visual or audible statement typically included in the video itself (e.g., in the opening credits, end screen, or as a persistent watermark).
A common format for a copyright notice is:
© [Year of First Publication] [Name of Copyright Holder]
For example: © 2024 John Doe
Adding a notice informs the public that the work is protected by copyright and identifies the copyright owner. While not strictly required for copyright protection (copyright exists automatically upon creation), a notice is a good practice as it can deter infringement and may have legal implications in infringement cases. However, adding this notice is a separate action from the official registration process outlined above and is usually done during the video editing or production phase. The steps provided focus specifically on the government registration process.
