Expert: Kacey Cahill - 10/16/2009

Question
I was wondering how i could copyright a cartoon it's just a little character i made up but i think someone my be intrested in buying it or something.I wanted to get the word out about my cartoon but i thought it should be legally copyrighted because someone could steal my idea if i put it on a poster board or something.In the U.S.

Answer
Liv,

The moment you create an original expression of your idea in tangible form (the paper), it is yours.  You own the copyright.  Registering the copyright does not create a copyright (that is already done when you draw it).  Registering the copyright allows you to: (1) sue a violator, (2) collect statutory damages, (3) prove to the world when you created it.  Thus, I say file.  The process is simple, cheap and straightforward.  Go to www.copyright.gov and walk through the filing process.  It takes a few minutes, and you upload the file at the end.

Good luck to you.  I hope this helps, but please know this is intended for educational purposes only and not as legal advise.

Kind regards,

Kacey Cahill
www.kaceylaw.com