Expert: Tricia Scott-Sahler - 6/25/2011

Question
I would like to use the pictures I have taken and sell them. I would like to copyright them. I need to know if I have to copy write each one or can I get a copyright that would be used for any pictures I take in the future?

Answer
Hi Mallisa,

You have to copyright each image unfortunately.  Go to this link: http://www.copyright.gov/ and you can fill it out electronically.  The best thing to do is to send them before they are "published" and you can send them in bulk.  Like most government processes, it's not easy but worth it.

Just as an FYI - you own the copyright to your images the moment you click the shutter.  You can license them without officially entering them into the copyright database, but if someone infringes on your image, you are not protected as well as if you would be sending them to the copyright office.

Hope this help.

Tricia