Remember, it is important to register copyrights in the United States Library of Congress’ Copyright Office. Copyright law requires that a party claiming copyright infringement needs to have a copyright registration before pleading copyright infringement in federal court. A party whose copyright is infringed before the registration is granted by the Library of Congress will not be entitled to attorneys’ fees or statutory damages. A party must register a copyright before infringement in order to be entitled to those damages. The copyright symbol cannot be used without the registration at the U.S. Copyright Office.
As of May 1, 2024, the Library of Congress implemented new fees for copyright registration following a final rule that considered public comments and feedback. Authors can now obtain a Library of Congress Control Number (LCCN) for their works, ensuring accurate cataloging records and protecting their rights as copyright owners. These changes were detailed in a Federal Register notice, reflecting the U.S. government’s official stance on copyright fees. Additional charges may apply, especially for services like duplication and cataloging records. It’s crucial for copyright owners to understand these fees and their implications, especially in light of fair use provisions and the evolving landscape of digital access. For those seeking more information, visit the official website of the United States government or contact the Library of Congress directly. Understanding these fees can help authors navigate the complexities of copyright claims and ensure their works are properly registered and protected.Most people and companies will file a basic registration to register the copyrights of their works. However, the most recent update to the Library of Congress fees for the Copyright Office created a new fee structure that made some of the more obscure registration fees more complex and more expensive.
The Library of Congress does accept fees via credit card or debit card. When clients hire Verna Law, PC to represent them, all fees are paid by the firm.
The typing of filing is on the left of the chart and the filing fee is on the right of the chart in the fee schedule below.
Do you have any questions about registering your works that are protected by copyright? Contact Verna Law, PC at anthony@vernalaw.com or at 914-908-6757.
| Type of Filing | Fees as of 2024 |
| Registration, recordation, and related services: Basic registrations | |
| Registration of a claim in an original work of authorship: | |
| Electronic filing: | |
| Single author, same claimant, one work, not for hire | $45 |
| All other filings | $65 |
| Paper Filing (Forms PA, SR, TX, VA, SE) | $125 |
| | |
| Registration, recordation, and related services: Group Registrations | Current Fees |
| | |
| Registration of a claim in a group of unpublished works | $85 |
| | |
| Registration of a claim in a group of works published on an album of music | $65 |
| | |
| Registration of a claim in a group of published photographs or a claim in a group of unpublished photographs | $55 |
| Registration of a claim in a group of serials (per issue, minimum two issues) | $35 |
| Registration of a claim in a group of newspapers or a group of newsletters | $95 |
| | |
| Registration of a claim in a group of contributions to periodicals | |
| Electronic filing | $55 |
| Paper filing | $65 |
| | |
| Registration of a claim in a group of serials (per issue, minimum two issues) | $85 |
| Registration of a claim in a group of short online literary works | $65 |
| | |
| Registration of updates or revisions to a database that predominantly consists of non-photographic works | $500 |
| | |
| Registration for a database that predominantly consists of photographs and updates thereto: | |
| Electronic filing: | $250 |
| Paper filing: | $250 |
| Registration of a renewal claim (Form RE): | |
| Claim without addendum | $125 |
| Addendum (in addition to the fee for the claim) | $100 |
| Registration of a claim in a restored copyright (Form GATT – as in the GATT Treaty) | $100 |
| Preregistration of certain unpublished works | $200 |
| Registration of a correction or amplification to a claim | |
| Supplementary registration | |
| Electronic filing | $100 |
| Paper Filing for correction or amplification of renewal registrations, GATT registrations, and group registrations for non-photographic databases (Form CA) | $150 |
| Registration of a claim in a mask work (Form MW) | $150 |
| Registration of a claim in a vessel design (Form D/VH) | $500 |
| Correction of a design registration: Form DC | $100 |
| Recordation of a document, including a notice of termination and a notice of intention to enforce a restored copyright $60 51 to 500 additional works and alternate identifiers $225 | |
| Base fee (includes 1 work identified by 1 title and/or registration number): | |
| Paper | $125 |
| Electronic | $95 |
| Additional transfer (per transfer) (for documents recorded under 17 U.S.C. 205) | $95 |
| Additional works and alternate identifiers: | |
| Paper (per group of 10 or fewer additional works and alternate identifiers) | $60 |
| Electronic: | |
| 1 to 50 additional works and alternate identifiers | $60 |
| 51 to 500 additional works and alternate identifiers | $225 |
| 501 to 1,000 additional works and alternate identifiers | $390 |
| 1,001 to 10,000 additional works and alternate identifiers | $555 |
| 10,001 or more additional works and alternate identifiers | $5,500 |
| Correction of online Public Catalog data due to erroneous electronic title submission (per title) | $7 |
Effective May 2024, the Library of Congress introduced new fees for copyright registration, impacting a wide range of creators from comic book artists to sound recording producers. Authors and copyright owners can now request access to the Library’s services, including duplication services and cataloging data, ensuring their works are properly archived and protected. Whether submitting a manuscript via paper applications or through programmatic access using extensive developer APIs, understanding these fees is crucial for navigating the complexities of copyright applications. Located in the historic Thomas Jefferson Building on Capitol Hill, the Library offers free timed-entry tickets for visitors to explore its main reading room and view collections ranging from single works to complete lists of serial numbers. For those utilizing U.S. government information systems, compliance with copyright regulations such as the exclusive right to reproduce works is essential. With policies on use restrictions and the cost of shipping for copies of books, the Library supports a fair use environment while protecting original material and collective works. Authors seeking a unique identifier or card catalog number can benefit from reduced costs and additional information available on the Library’s official website. Feedback from human users and third parties is encouraged to refine services and maintain the integrity of the copyright application process. Whether registering a children’s book or navigating the revolving fund for publishing packages, the Library remains committed to supporting creators and preserving America’s cultural heritage. Visit Independence Avenue to learn more about copyright applications under the United States Code and explore options for interlibrary loans on Thursday evenings. For further details on navigating the Library’s extensive resources or securing copyright ownership, contact us for assistance.
Previously in 2020:
Despite the novel coronavirus that causes COVID-19 wreaking havoc across the world, the intellectual property system of the United States marches on. That includes the increase of new fees at the Library of Congress’ Copyright Office.
Remember, it is important to register copyrights in the Library of Congress’ Copyright Office. A party claiming copyright infringement needs to have a copyright registration before pleading copyright infringement in federal court. A party whose copyright is infringed before the registration is granted by the Library of Congress will not be entitled to attorneys’ fees or statutory damages. A party must register a copyright before infringement in order to be entitled to those damages.
Notice the huge uptick in fees in database entries.
| Type of Filing | Current Fees | New Fees |
| Registration, recordation, and related services: Basic registrations | ||
| Registration of a claim in an original work of authorship: | ||
| Electronic filing: | ||
| Single author, same claimant, one work, not for hire | $35 | $45 |
| All other filings | $55 | $65 |
| Paper Filing (Forms PA, SR, TX, VA, SE) | $85 | $125 |
| Registration, recordation, and related services: Group Registrations | Current Fees | New Fees |
| Registration of a claim in a group of contributions to periodicals | $85 | $85 |
| Registration of updates or revisions to a database that predominantly consists of non-photographic works | $85 | $500 |
| Registration of a claim in a group of published photographs or a claim in a group of unpublished photographs | $55 | $55 |
| Registration for a database that predominantly consists of photographs and updates and revisions thereto: | ||
| Electronic filing | $55 | $250 |
| Paper filing | $65 | $250 |
| Registration of a claim in a group of serials (per issue, minimum two issues) | ||
| Electronic filing | $25 | $35 |
| Paper filing | $25 | $70 |
| Registration of a claim in a group of newspapers or a group of newsletters | $80 | $95 |
| Registration of a claim in a group of unpublished works | $55 | $85 |
Recent Comments