# Requirements for copyright notices **URL:** \ **Category:** Factual Questions\ **Created:** [February 7, 2007, 2:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/requirements-for-copyright-notices/391206 "2007-02-07T14:32:35Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 5\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Roland\_Orzabal](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/c2a13f/32.png) [@Roland\_Orzabal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Roland_Orzabal)\ **Post date:** [February 7, 2007, 2:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/requirements-for-copyright-notices/391206/1 "2007-02-07T14:32:35Z")
Suppose I write a computer program. Nothing special, just a single-form VB application that performs a few specific calculations that would otherwise be very tedious…certainly nothing for which I’d go to the trouble of registering a copyright. Now suppose that others have seen me using this program, and have expressed interest in obtaining a copy thereof. I understand that anything of this nature that I might create is considered to be under some kind of _de facto_ copyright, but I have no idea what exactly this entails. Would I be able, under current copyright law, to place a notice within the program reading “©2007, [Roland Orzabal]. All rights reserved”, or would that particular phrasing denote, falsely, that I’ve legally registered the copyright? Further, if I could not use that phrasing, what would be the recommended way to express the level of copyright I actually possess? As a side note, please understand that I’m not asking for legal advice. This is all very hypothetical; to date I’ve not created anything that anyone else would have any interest in using professionally. I’m just looking for a general overview of the “rules” for copyright notices, so that if that day ever comes, I have some idea what I can or can’t do. Thanks in advance for any answers. ---
**Author:** ![scotandrsn](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/a4c791/32.png) [@scotandrsn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/scotandrsn)\ **Post date:** [February 7, 2007, 2:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/requirements-for-copyright-notices/391206/2 "2007-02-07T14:38:56Z")
Your friends at the copyright office have a handy [FAQ page](http://www.copyright.gov/help/faq/), which answers all sorts of questions like the ones you pose: > [@](#): > > **Do I have to register with your office to be protected?** > No. In general, registration is voluntary. Copyright exists from the moment the work is created. You will have to register, however, if you wish to bring a lawsuit for infringement of a U.S. work. See Circular 1, Copyright Basics, section “Copyright Registration.” > > **Why should I register my work if copyright protection is automatic?** > Registration is recommended for a number of reasons. Many choose to register their works because they wish to have the facts of their copyright on the public record and have a certificate of registration. Registered works may be eligible for statutory damages and attorney’s fees in successful litigation. Finally, if registration occurs within 5 years of publication, it is considered prima facie evidence in a court of law. See Circular 1, Copyright Basics, section “Copyright Registration” and Circular 38b, Highlights of Copyright Amendments Contained in the Uruguay Round Agreements Act (URAA), on non-U.S. works. > [@](#): > > **What is a copyright notice? How do I put a copyright notice on my work?** > A copyright notice is an identifier placed on copies of the work to inform the world of copyright ownership that generally consists of the symbol or word “copyright (or copr.),” the name of the copyright owner, and the year of first publication, e.g., ©2006 John Doe. While use of a copyright notice was once required as a condition of copyright protection, it is now optional. Use of the notice is the responsibility of the copyright owner and does not require advance permission from, or registration with, the Copyright Office. See Circular 3, Copyright Notice, for requirements for works published before March 1, 1989, and for more information on the form and position of the copyright notice. ---
**Author:** ![CookingWithGas](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cookingwithgas/32/485_2.png) [@CookingWithGas](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CookingWithGas)\ **Post date:** [February 7, 2007, 2:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/requirements-for-copyright-notices/391206/3 "2007-02-07T14:42:03Z")
You do not need to register the copyright to include a copyright notice. In addition, you automatically have a legal copyright, in this case, when you create the work. There is only one “level” of copyright. Registering the copyright might afford some greater proof as to when you created the work in case there is a challenge but does not mean it’s copyrighted any more than if you don’t. There’s a bunch of links to info on threads about copyrights, including SD columns, in the [Unofficial FAQ](http://www.seigle.net/gqfaq.html#copyrights). ---
**Author:** ![Gfactor](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/9de053/32.png) [@Gfactor](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gfactor)\ **Post date:** [February 7, 2007, 2:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/requirements-for-copyright-notices/391206/4 "2007-02-07T14:44:30Z")
[QUOTE=Roland Orzabal] Would I be able, under current copyright law, to place a notice within the program reading “©2007, [Roland Orzabal]. All rights reserved”, or would that particular phrasing denote, falsely, that I’ve legally registered the copyright? [/QUOTE] Yes. Copyright attaches with fixation of the work. Registration is not required as **scotandrsn** ’s link shows. A copyright notice simply announes your claim to the rights in the work. ---
**Author:** ![Roland\_Orzabal](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/c2a13f/32.png) [@Roland\_Orzabal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Roland_Orzabal)\ **Post date:** [February 7, 2007, 3:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/requirements-for-copyright-notices/391206/5 "2007-02-07T15:02:13Z")
Question answered, then. Many thanks to the three of you. 🙂