Copyright exists automatically when you create a work, but registration with the U.S. Copyright Office unlocks significant legal benefits — including the right to sue for infringement and statutory damages up to $150,000 per work. This guide covers all current filing fees, timelines, and when registration is worth the cost.
| Work Type | Form | Online Fee | Paper Fee | Group Option |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Literary works (books, articles, software code) | TX | $45–$65 | $125 | Up to 10 unpublished |
| Musical compositions | PA | $45–$65 | $125 | Group of musical works: $65 |
| Sound recordings | SR | $45–$65 | $125 | Album = single registration |
| Photographs | VA | $45–$65 | $125 | Group: $65 (up to 750/yr) |
| Visual art / illustrations | VA | $45–$65 | $125 | Up to 10 unpublished |
| Motion pictures / video | PA | $65 | $125 | No group option |
| Website content (collection) | TX or VA | $65 | $125 | Entire site = 1 registration |
| Software (single author) | TX | $45 | $125 | Version updates = new reg. |
| Architectural works | VA | $65 | $125 | No group option |
| Mask works (semiconductor chips) | MW | $75 | N/A | No group option |