Copyright Registration: The eCO System

Looking for a cheaper, easier way to register your copyright? The U.S. Copyright Office is currently restructuring their copyright registration procedures towards an online format in an effort to expedite the submission process and reduce errors in filing. The new web-based system, called the electronic Copyright Office (eCO), is currently in its 10th month of beta-testing, and is scheduled for official public release this summer.

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Looking for a cheaper, easier way to register your copyright? The U.S. Copyright Office is currently restructuring their copyright registration procedures towards an online format in an effort to expedite the submission process and reduce errors in filing. The new web-based system, called the electronic Copyright Office (eCO), is currently in its 10th month of beta-testing, and is scheduled for official public release this summer.

Initially, the eCO beta-testing was restricted to application-selective test groups, but the system is now being offered to anyone who completes a short online request form. Not only does choosing the online alternative save you $10 (a reduced-price $35 application fee), but the new system also bypasses the confusion that often arises from the variety of physical registration forms available. The eCO software does not require different forms to be filled out depending on the material’s medium (literary works, sound recording, performing arts, etc.).




According to sources present at the Copyright Office’s April 10 convention in Nashville, the web-based registration process will go live to the public once they are sure it is ready to handle heavy traffic volumes. Until then, be the first to save some time, cash, and paperwork by taking advantage of the reduced-price beta-testing.


To submit a testing request form, head this way.