TechWhirl (TECHWR-L) is a resource for technical writing and technical communications professionals of all experience levels and in all industries to share their experiences and acquire information.
For two decades, technical communicators have turned to TechWhirl to ask and answer questions about the always-changing world of technical communications, such as tools, skills, career paths, methodologies, and emerging industries. The TechWhirl Archives and magazine, created for, by and about technical writers, offer a wealth of knowledge to everyone with an interest in any aspect of technical communications.
Subject:Re: copyright From:"PICKETT-HARNER, Molly" <MOP1 -at- NIORDS1 -dot- EM -dot- CDC -dot- GOV> Date:Mon, 5 Dec 1994 17:33:00 EST
If your work satisfies 3 criteria -- it is *fixed* in a tangible medium; it
is original; it is[minimally at least] creative -- it is automatically
protected by copyright. It does not have to be registered, albeit there are
benefits to so-doing.
Basically, you fill out an application form, designed for the particular
work you wish to copyright, supply an application fee (varies from $10 -
$40, depending upon form required) payable to the Register of Copyrights,
plus a deposit for the Library of Congress, and mail in a <single> package
[important] to:
Register of Copyrights
Copyright Office
Library of Congress
Washington, DC 20559
To determine the form you'll need & answer other questions you will have,
call the Copyright Office at (202) 707-3000.
Trademarks are complicated; call/write the U.S. Patent & Trademark Office,
Washington, DC 20231. I can explain the whats/whys, but one often needs an
specialized attorney to process.
It's after 5:00 here, & I'll not be in tomorrow (Tuesday), but will be glad
to answer further/other questions. This should get you started.