If you are like most artists you are concerned about protecting your artwork and have thought about copyrighting your works. With this in mind you search the Internet and find an inexpensive copyright service for about $12 that will allow you to copyright your art in the same day and provide you with a copyright certificate. It's your lucky day, or is it? Before you decide to spend money on non-government sites like this, there are a few things that are important to understand when it comes to Copyright Law.

A copyright is a form of protection by the laws of a government to the authors of original works of literary, dramatic, musical, artistic, and other intellectual works (U.S. Copyright). The copyright will protect various works (works protected under U.S. Copyright Law), but there are also things that it won't protect (not protected under U.S. Copyright Law). Be aware that "There is no such thing as an "international copyright..." Most countries offer copyright protection thanks to Copyright Treaties. Although your work is copyrighted the moment you create it, copyright registration is necessary before a copyright infringement can be filed in court (1).

Many copyright services fail to mention the benefits of government copyright registrations. Some even claim to copyright inventions which is also incorrect. Those seeking protection for inventions should register them with their government's patent office. Avoid services that are charging hundreds of dollars to provide a copyright. As of July 1, 2006, the cost of a U.S. copyright registration is only $45. When you submit your original works to a copyright service, you run the risk of having you artwork stolen. So be sure that you are dealing with a reputable copyright service company. One of the ways that will help you determine a reliable copyright service is to check if the copyright service is actually registering your work with the government, and compare the price of their services with the price of the U.S. copyright office registration fee. Be sure to read the terms of the copyright service and to verify the company's contact information before you send anything off.

Visit the GSG Community for more information and tips on how to recognize a reliable copyright service as well as a list of sites that help you fill out copyright registration papers to submit to the U.S. Copyright Office.