A copyright prevents others from benefiting unfairly from the author's creativity. The value of the copyright is in requiring that others either make their own investment of time, money, and creativity to create their own work, or that they purchase the rights to use the author's work. A copyright exists under federal law once a work is fixed in some tangible form. However, to maximize protection under the copyright law, place a copyright notice on each copy of the work. A copyright may be registered with the federal government by filling out a simple form, paying a nominal fee, and submitting a deposit of the work.
Registration is required in order to bring a suit to stop infringement.
Also, prompt registration may entitle the copyright owner to several advantages in the event that its copyrights are infringed. Any original work of authorship that is fixed in some tangible form of expression qualifies for copyright protection. Computer programs, for example, are considered literary works. For example, standard calendars and the common markings on rulers or measuring tapes lack the requisite originality or authorship. Ideas, concepts, or procedures alone are not considered works of authorship and cannot be protected by copyright.