How Do You Properly Copyright Artwork On The Internet?
An artwork copyright is proof that you own a piece of art, have control over the public display and reproduction of it and are eligible to receive compensation for it. Artwork is automatically given copyright status when you first create it, but many professional artists prefer the extra security of formally copyrighting their works with the U.S. Copyright Office. This is important when artists are planning to sell or disseminate their works in different venues, especially on the Internet. Find out if your artwork falls under “visual art” that is covered under the U.S. Copyright law. Visual art is anything that is 2D or 3D of applied art, fine art or graphic art. Download and complete Form VA and Form CON (continuation form). Look at the fee scale to find out how much it costs and make a check or money order payable to “Register of Copyrights” (see Resources 1 & 2). Print out a picture of your Internet artwork. Mail your picture, forms and fee to: Library of Congress Copyright Office 1
