In other words, you can't sue someone who is infringing your copyright until you have registered your copyright. Furthermore, there are certain remedies which are only available with respect to infringements made after registration. Actual damages, if you can prove them, are still available with respect to pre-registration infringements. Statutory damages are different from and can be in addition to actual damages. The law provides that the Register of Copyrights may make a written demand for the required deposit on any persons obligated to make the deposit.
Registration is simple.
You can have it done by your attorney. This reflects the amount of time it takes for us to fill out the form with information that we must obtain from you. But, it's simpler and far less expensive to fill out and submit these forms yourself. The Copyright Office will be happy to send you the forms and instructions. If you your work is primarily text, ask for form TX, with instructions.