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Guide to United State Copyright Office
Writers have a strange understanding of the United State Copyright Office, or should I say “lack” of understanding? The irony is that the Copyright Office (a division of the U.S. Library of Congress), is one of the few branches of government that actually wants you to know everything about it.
Registration of Copyright
As I've mentioned in another article, your literary works have copyright protection the moment a unique part of your first draft is in “fixed form” (it's no longer in your head). However, once your work is published (or otherwise publicly displayed), it should be registered with the Copyright Office.
Registration makes it a matter of public record that the copyrighted work is yours, in case of a dispute. Different forms are used to register literary works (books, software, etc.), performing arts (plays, screenplays, movies, music, etc.), even the design of vessel hulls. Initial registration fees are $30 (hull designs are $140). Renewal is not required for registrations after Jan 01, 1978 ,
The United State Copyright Office can perform other services such as expediting registrations, transferring copyright ownerships, and researching applications (see their fee schedule).
What About Other Countries? Is My Work Protected?
Copyrights are respected in other countries by mutual agreement (Circular 38a: International Copyright Relations Of The United States ). However, not all countries honor this agreement. To ensure protection of your work, you may have to register for copyright in specific nations you wish to distribute your work.
There's no reason to have doubts about the United State Copyright Office. They can answer all your specific questions, and even provide links concerning trademarks and patents. Proving to be a writer's best friend in government.
Resources
www.clickandcopyright.com - Files government copyright form for a fee. www.loc.gov/copyright/ copyright form - United States copyright office.