[CH] How to copyright

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Folks,

I made the mistake of saying copyrighting something is "easy". OK, I've
never actually done it. But Cameron called me on it, so here is what I know.
Copyright registration requires three things: some forms (it is government,
you know), $20, and a "deposit". The deposit is a copy of the work to be
copyrighted.

1) Start with the US Copyright Office web site:
  
    http://lcweb.loc.gov/copyright/

Review the basics of copyrighting and what may or may not be copyrighted.
See also the FAQ

2) Clicking on the Copyright Registration link will get you to:

    http://lcweb.loc.gov/copyright/reg.html

Use this page to get to information on what is required to copyright your
particular work. Web pages for example are most likely to fall under Other
Works, Multimedia. You will get to Circular 55:

    http://lcweb.loc.gov/copyright/circs/circ55

Circular 55 will tell you which form(s) to file with your work and define
the "deposit".

3) PDF versions of the required forms are located at:

     http://lcweb.loc.gov/copyright/forms/    

So, there it is: make a copy of your stuff, fill out some forms, pony up
$20, and send it in. However, somehow, somewhere, I get the feeling that a
lawyer will get involved.

Brandon C. Nuttall

BNUTTALL@KGS.MM.UKY.EDU  Kentucky Geological Survey
(606) 257-5500           University of Kentucky
(606) 257-1147 (fax)     228 Mining & Mineral Resources Bldg
                         Lexington, Kentucky 40506-0107
http://www.uky.edu/KGS/home.htm
http://www.uky.edu/KGS/PTTC/home.htm

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