Below are a few tips to ensure that your application for copyright registration is accepted by the U.S. Copyright Office.

GIVE CLEAR AND ACCURATE INFORMATION

In completing an application form to register a claim to copyright, it is important to give clear and accurate information. To ensure that the information is accurate, read the instructions on the application form carefully. Additional information on various topics is available from the Copyright Office if needed.

COMPLETE THE APPLICATION IN BLACK INK OR TYPE

It is also important that the information you give in your application is dark enough to make an acceptable reproduction. The registration certificate issued by the Copyright Office is made from a photographic image of your application. The better the quality of your application, the better the quality of your certificate. Applications of extremely poor quality will not be accepted. In completing your application form, therefore, use a typewriter with a good ribbon or print all information (except your signature) clearly with a pen in black ink. Do not use a pencil or colored pens (blue, green, red, etc.).

USE ACCEPTABLE PHOTOCOPIES OR COMPUTER PRINTOUTS OF COPYRIGHT OFFICE FORMS

If you use a printed form issued by the Copyright Office, you do not have to worry about the quality of the form itself; it will produce an acceptable certificate. However, the Copyright Office receives applications in a variety of paper formats in addition to the printed application forms it distributes. These include:

• photocopies of Copyright Office-issued forms
• printed paper copies of forms from the Copyright Office Website at www.copyright.gov/forms
• printed paper copies of other computer-produced Copyright Office forms that have been approved by the Copyright Office

If the application you use is a photocopy or a computer printout, make sure that it is clear, legible, and on a good quality of 8 1/2-inch by 11-inch white paper. Also, make sure that the form meets the following criteria: