The cost to register a copyright in the U.S. varies depending on the type of application and the nature of the work being registered.
U.S. Copyright Office Registration Fees
The United States Copyright Office charges different fees for various types of copyright registrations. These fees cover the processing of your application and the official registration of your claim in an original work of authorship.
Here is a breakdown of the typical costs:
| Application Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Standard Application (filed online, typically for a single work) | $65 |
| Paper Filing (Forms PA, SR, TX, VA, SE – submitted by mail) | $125 |
| Registration of a claim in a group of unpublished works | $85 |
| Registration of a claim in a group of published or unpublished photographs | $55 |
Understanding the Application Types
- Standard Application: This is the most common and cost-effective method for registering a single work, often filed online through the U.S. Copyright Office's electronic registration system.
- Paper Filing: If you prefer to submit your application and deposit copies physically by mail using specific forms (such as PA for performing arts, SR for sound recordings, TX for text, VA for visual arts, or SE for serials), the fee is higher due to increased processing costs.
- Group of Unpublished Works: For creators who have multiple unpublished works (e.g., several poems, songs, or short stories) that they wish to register together, this option provides a way to do so under a single application, provided certain criteria are met.
- Group of Photographs: This specific category allows photographers to register a collection of their photographs, whether they have been published or remain unpublished, often at a reduced rate compared to individual registrations.
For the most current and detailed fee schedules, it is always recommended to consult the official website of the U.S. Copyright Office.
