Copyright Registration: Performing Arts Works

First, let's pinpoint what falls into the performing arts category. Here's the list of examples from the US Copyright Office:

"Performing arts works are intended to be 'performed' directly before an audience or indirectly 'by means of any device or process.'

Included are (1) musical works, including any accompanying words;

(2) dramatic works, such as scripts, including any accompanying music;

(3) pantomimes and choreographic works; and

(4) motion pictures and other audiovisual works."

Here are some books about copyrights:

The Copyright Handbook

How to Register Your Own Copyright

Now to file an application:

The application is fairly simple & the cost is $45 per application.

Despite what others state, a "poor man's" copyright is NOT the same as registering it. Here's what the US Copyright Office has to say:

"The practice of sending a copy of your own work to yourself is sometimes called a 'poor man’s copyright.' There is no provision in the copyright law regarding any such type of protection, and it is not a substitute for registration."

Lastly, here are two great resources:

NOLO's Copyright Resource Center

NOLO's Creative Arts & Music Resource Center

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