How Much Does It Cost To Register a Copyright?

Dec 8

When you create an original work of authorship, such as a blog post, e-book, or graphic design, that work is automatically protected by copyright law as soon as it exists in a fixed form. However, the rights granted by automatic copyright protection are somewhat limited, which prompts many business owners and creators to seek enhanced protection through official copyright registration.

But how much does it cost to register a copyright? Like most legal processes, the answer is: it varies.

The U.S. Copyright Office provides a detailed breakdown of its filing fees, but the exact cost depends on factors like the type of work you’re registering, whether it was created by a single author or a group, and whether you’re filing individually or as part of a collection. If you decide to work with an attorney, which is ideal for complex filings, enforcement support, or simply ensuring that your application is accurate, legal fees will also be part of the picture.

This post breaks down the most common fees associated with copyright registration, explains when and why they apply, and offers insight into how copyright registration fits into a bigger picture of creative protection.

Cost to Register a Copyright: Common Fees

U.S. Copyright Office Fees

The U.S. Copyright Office offers several different application types, but here are the most common and relevant for business owners, creators, and digital entrepreneurs:

Single Application

Cost: $45
Best for: A single work by a single author, where the author and claimant are the same person or entity.
Example: A business owner protecting an original e-book they wrote themselves.

Standard Application

Cost: $65
Best for: Works with multiple authors, works made for hire, or situations where the claimant is different from the author.
Example: A brand protecting a graphic design that was created for them by a designer that they hired.

If you’ve created multiple works that share certain characteristics, the U.S. Copyright Office allows you to register them together under a group registration, which can be more cost-effective than filing individually.

Here are some common group registration options:

Unpublished Works

Cost: $85
Best for: Multiple unpublished works by the same author, submitted together in a single application. “Unpublished” refers to works that have not been distributed to the public in any meaningful way.
Example: A creator submitting a batch of draft blog posts or poems that haven’t been publicly shared yet.

Short Online Literary Works

Cost: $65
Best for: A group of short written works, like blog posts or newsletters, published online within a 3-month period.
Example: A business submitting several marketing emails or blog posts they’ve published in a single quarter.

Published Photographs

Cost: $55
Best for: A collection of published photographs submitted by the same claimant in one batch.
Example: A photographer submitting images from a client shoot or a published photo series.

Other Potential Costs to Consider

If you're working with an attorney to file your copyright application or handle enforcement, you will encounter additional fees. Many attorneys offer flat fees for registration support, while enforcement work, such as handling an infringement case, are often billed hourly. Although you can file a copyright application without an attorney, you’ll be faced with complex legal jargon and the risk of submitting an incomplete or incorrect application that could lead to denial.

If someone infringes upon your copyright and you need to pursue legal action, costs can include case evaluation, cease-and-desist drafting, DMCA takedown coordination, and litigation support. These processes can be time-sensitive and legally nuanced, which is why having a lawyer to help defend and enforce your rights can make all the difference.

For these reasons, many business owners and creators find it ideal to navigate the copyright registration and enforcement process with the support of a trusted legal partner.

Why Copyright Registration Matters

While copyright protection is automatic the moment a work is created and fixed in a tangible medium, official registration with the U.S. Copyright Office offers several important legal benefits:

It creates a public record of your ownership.
It allows you to file a lawsuit for infringement.
It can make you eligible for statutory damages and attorney's fees in court.
It makes enforcement (including takedown notices and cease-and-desists) more straightforward.

Without official copyright registration, your rights, and your ability to fight off infringement, are extremely limited. Because copyright law is governed at the federal level, you can’t file an infringement lawsuit in federal court unless your work is registered or your application has been denied, which demonstrates an attempt to register. In most cases, all you can do is send a cease-and-desist letter and hope the other party chooses to comply. As a creator or business owner, protecting your proprietary works of authorship through official copyright registration can be a proactive step in safeguarding the long-term value of your work.

Protecting Your Work is an Investment, Not Just a Fee

Copyright registration isn’t just a legal formality; it’s a powerful legal tool that secures your rights and gives you the ability to defend your work if it’s ever infringed upon.

The cost to register a copyright is modest compared to the toll infringement can take – not just on your bottom line, but on your peace of mind. From lost revenue to expensive legal disputes and the emotional stress of seeing your work misused, the real cost of skipping registration often shows up when it’s too late.

If your creative work plays a role in your business, proactively investing in copyright registration is one of the most affordable and effective ways to protect its long-term value.

Ready to protect your work with confidence? At Mika Mooney Law, we help creators and brand owners register and enforce their copyrights as part of a thoughtful, proactive IP strategy. Click here to book a free discovery call!

Disclaimer: This post is for legal education purposes only and should not be considered legal advice. No attorney-client relationship has been formed. To the extent this post constitutes attorney advertising, past results do not guarantee similar outcomes.