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Copyrighting works: Anyone choose to copyright "in corporate name"?

Versus register in individual name, given the option

         

Webwork

4:24 am on Mar 28, 2006 (gmt 0)

WebmasterWorld Administrator 10+ Year Member Top Contributors Of The Month



I've just been reading Copyright.gov and reviewing the forms for filing for copyright. The forms give you the option of registering "as the author" or "as the copyright holder", for example - a work for hire, where a corporation can hold the rights to a work I've authored.

I'm mulling over how to protect creative works in light of the plethora of "someone has stolen my articles". Clearly, formal filing for copyright affords the greatest protection and benefits: Proof of the claim, statutory damages without the necessity of proving actual damages and attorney's fees.

If a corporate entity is assigned ownership then that positions me to act as legal counsel for the corporation, adding fees to the mix. Gotta make the #*$!s pay, ya know? Levy on their Adsense accounts, their domains, . . . :)

All of this causes me to pause to wonder: Does anyone here formally file for copyright protection?

Do you file in your own name?

Anyone file for copyright in the name of a corporation, even if it's a very small corporate body - like your own?

Why do you choose one form of filing over the other?

Given the relatively minor fee and the major benefits I don't see the sense in not formally filing. Nothing quite like issuing a letter or email confirming formal registration and statutory penalties and fees apply.

If you haven't filed what is holding you back?

ebound

6:52 pm on Mar 28, 2006 (gmt 0)

10+ Year Member



Does anyone here formally file for copyright protection?

Yes, I have just begun this process. I am in the process of filling out forms for over 200 works dating back 2 Years.

Do you file in your own name? Anyone file for copyright in the name of a corporation, even if it's a very small corporate body - like your own?

I am filing in the name of my Corporation (small). I am doing this because I read on Copyright.gov that the name cannot be changed on the copyright once filed. Ownership is only transfered via a contract.

Why do you choose one form of filing over the other?

My thinking is that if I ever sell my site, I will just sell the Corporation and there will be no question about who owns the copyright.

Given the relatively minor fee and the major benefits I don't see the sense in not formally filing.

I couldn't agree more.

If you haven't filed what is holding you back?

The only thing holding me back to this point was the hassle of filing and ignorance to the process. But after continuously having articles copied I will file all works, no questions asked.

I'm especially looking forward to their new online registration system that is supposed to launch this year.

I haven't mailed my forms yet so I'd be glad to hear any objections anyone may have to filing in the name of a corporation.