Multiple Works - One Application

"Do I need to file separate applications and pay for each of my …?"

This is one of the most frequent questions we get regarding copyright registration. Here's the short answer:

You can save money and register several works together as a "collection" - on one application for the same price - if each of the individual elements was created by the same author or at least one author contributed to each of the individual works. For example, you can register a CD consisting of many songs, or register a collection of several poems, stories, song lyrics, photographs, etc on a single application and pay only once.

On the application, you must give the entire collection a single title. It is not necessary to list the individual titles, although you may. Published works may only be registered as a collection if they were actually first published as a collection and if other requirements have been met.

A work may be registered in unpublished form as a "collection," on one application form and for one fee if:

• The collection is given a single title.
• All of the individual elements were created by the same author, or at least one author has contributed to each element.
• The copyright claimant in each element and in the collection as a whole is the same.
• The collection is assembled and submitted in an orderly manner.

< PreviousNext >