US authors - make sure you file for US copyright registration

[April]

US authors - make sure you file for US copyright registration. You can do it online, and it costs $35.

Here's the URL: http://www.copyright.gov/eco/

Even though your work is copyrighted the instant you write it, you must have a copyright claim on file with the US Copyright Office to be able to bring legal action against someone you violates your copyright. So, really, I think filing for copyright acknowledgement is a necessary step for authors. What good is having copyright over your work if you can't sue them in court for violating your copyright?

This is my understanding from having recently completed the copyright protection process. If someone knows something different, please chime in.

[Lisa]

It's the same in Canada http://lisaemme.com/2015/06/19/regist...

You also get a really nifty certificate in Canada with your registration :-)

[Dwayne, Head of Lettuce]

April wrote: "What good is having copyright over your work if you can't sue them in court for violating your copyright?"

You can still file DMCA notices, send cease and desist letters and demand licensing. But, yes, if you plan on suing for infringement, it does need to be registered.