Whether your work is published or unpublished, copyright registration provides protection to authors of original works, including:
- Dramatic works
- Musical creations (including lyrics)
- Artistic works
- Literary works
- Pantomimes and choreographs
- Pictorial, graphics, and sculptural designs
- Motion pictures and other audiovisual material
- Sound recordings
- Architectural designs
If you are a resident of St. Petersburg and the author of original work in one of the categories listed above, then you should consider copyright registration.
Registering your copyright in St. Petersburg gives you exclusive access to or allows you to authorize exclusive access to do the following:
- Reproduce the work
- Prepare derivative works
- Distribute copies of the work
- Perform the work publicly
- Display the work publicly
Starting Your Copyright Registration in St. Petersburg
You must submit a completed copyright registration application form, along with a non-returnable copy of the work to be registered and a non-refundable filing fee, either online or by mail, to begin your process.
Online Applications
The preferred method for submitting literary works, visual arts works, performing arts works, including motion pictures, sound recordings, and single serials completed in St. Petersburg is through online copyright registration.
You can submit online applications through the Electronic Copyright Office (eCO), although you may still be required to submit a hardcopy deposit.
Online applications are advantageous as a method of copyright registration in St. Petersburg because they will have a lower filing fee and offer secure payment by credit or debit card, e-check, or Copyright Office deposit account. Plus, they even offer the ability to upload certain categories of deposits directly into eCO as e-files.
Paper Applications
You can also mail in a copyright registration for the work you completed in St. Petersburg. The forms are accessible through the Copyright Office’s website. You will find fill-in forms by title:
- TX (literary works)
- VA (visual arts works)
- PA (performing arts works, including motion pictures)
- SR (sound recordings)
- SE (single serials)
You can complete the appropriate form on your personal computer, print it out, then sign it, and mail it. You can also print out blank forms to be completed by hand or request the forms be sent to you by postal mail.
Paper applications are disadvantageous as they have higher fees, and they do not take debit or credit. You must include in your paper application for copyright registration of your St. Petersburg works a check or money order, your completed application, and a non-returnable deposit.
Working with Larson & Larson P.A. Can Expedite the Process
While you can navigate copyright registration for yourself, the attorneys at Larson & Larson P. A. can help residents of St. Petersburg complete the process faster and with fewer mistakes.
Our team has been practicing Copyright Law since 1987, and we have the experience and expertise to ensure that your copyright application is successful. Protecting your work is our top priority. If you are ready to start the copyright registration process in St. Petersburg, call us at (727) 546-0660 to make an appointment with one of our experienced attorneys today.