Emling Forensis PC 562 491 1400
Copyright Registration: $650.00
Copyright protects "original works of authorship" that are fixed in a tangible form of expression. This can include not only written material, but also materials fixed in electronic media, such as sound recordings or computer disks.
Copyright registration is not necessary to perfect the ownership of the work, but does have several important advantages. Copyright registration makes a public record of the basic facts of a particular copyright. Before an infringement suit may be filed in court, registration is necessary. Registration will establish prima facie evidence in court of the validity of the copyright and of the facts stated in the certificate, if made before or within 5 years of publication. Special statutory damages and attorney's fees will be available to the copyright owner in court actions if registration is made before or within 5 years of publication. Otherwise, only an award of actual damages and profits is available to the copyright owner. Copyright registration allows the owner of the copyright to record the registration with the U.S. Customs Service for protection against the importation of infringing copies.
