What's Needed to Copyright a Website

Mr.M · 08-23-2009, 07:17 PM

Good day,

I was wondering if someone could tell me what is needed in order to copyright a website. With artistic work, I understand that you have to send a copy of the work with the copyright application. But what about a website? What representation of the website needs to be sent to the copyright office in order to protect the site's content? Would print outs or copies of the website's pages suffice? Please tell me what's needed.

Mr. M

Rodest · 08-23-2009, 07:24 PM

What country are you from? It differs, and people are able to help more if they know your country

rpermana · 08-24-2009, 12:57 AM

Copyright exists from the moment the work is created. Our work is under copyright protection the moment it is created and fixed in a tangible form that it is perceptible either directly or with the aid of a machine or device.

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.

For more info, please check out U.S. Copyright Office - Frequently Asked Questions

Mr.M · 08-24-2009, 11:41 AM

In response to Rodest, I'm from the US.

GlobalWealth · 09-06-2009, 01:04 PM

Copyright is from the moment of creation. Just keep good records of your work to prove it.

rdc · 10-01-2009, 05:33 PM

If you are worried about copyright concerns with your website, you should register it. The problem, of course, is that any time the website changes, a new registration is technically required. Thus, you might want to register once per quarter.

The concept of things being automatically copyrighted upon creation is true, but not technically the end of the story. If you end up having to sue someone over a copyright matter, you will have to register the copyright before you will have much of a claim in a court of law, and this could take a long time and end up costing you more in the long run (in theory, at the very least).

You are probably primarily looking at form TX (for text). Images or other designs to which you own the rights could be registered as well. Also note the databases subject type. And be sure to place the © symbol with your name... This has no real legal effect anymore but it's a good practice to put others on notice.

There are other legal concerns to consider as well, such as evidentiary value and the issue of enhanced damages.