The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) is responsible for registering copyrights, including musical compositions and sound recordings. However, it is important to note that copyright registration is not mandatory for protection. Your works are automatically protected by copyright upon creation, but registration provides several benefits, such as establishing a public record of your ownership and facilitating enforcement of your rights in case of infringement.
Registering to use the US Copyright Office’s eCO system is a straightforward process that allows you to create an account and start submitting copyright applications electronically. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to register for an eCO account:
- Visit the eCO Website: Go to the U.S. Copyright Office’s eCO website: eco.copyright.gov.
- Click on “Create Account”: In the top right corner of the eCO homepage, you’ll see a button labeled “Create Account.” Click on this button to initiate the account creation process.
- Provide Personal Information: The eCO system will prompt you to enter your personal details, including your first and last name, email address, and phone number.
- Choose Account Type: Select the appropriate account type for your needs. For copyright registration purposes, choose the “Individual” account type.
- Set a Password: Create a strong password for your eCO account. This password will be used to log in to your account and manage your copyright applications.
- Accept Terms and Conditions: Read and agree to the eCO Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. These documents outline the terms and conditions for using the eCO system.
- Verify Email Address: Check your email inbox for a verification message from the Copyright Office. Click on the provided link in the email to verify your email address and activate your account.
- Complete Two-Step Authentication (Optional): Consider enabling two-step authentication for added security. This will require you to enter a verification code from your phone or email whenever you log in to your account.
- Set Up Notifications (Optional): You can choose to receive notifications about the status of your copyright applications and other eCO services.
Once you have completed these steps, you will have successfully registered for an eCO account and can start submitting copyright applications electronically. The eCO system provides comprehensive instructions and forms for each type of copyright registration, making it easy to navigate the process and protect your creative works.
