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How Much Does Copyright Cost? (2026 Guide)

Registration: $45–$65. Attorney: $200–$800.

Updated Mar 2026Legal$45–$800
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Copyright Registration Costs

ServiceCostTimelineNotes
Self-file (eCO online)$653-8 monthsSingle work, single author
Group registration$65–$853-8 monthsMultiple related works
Attorney-assisted filing$300–$8003-8 monthsEnsures correct classification
Special handling (rush)$800 extra5-10 business daysFor pending litigation
Cease & desist letter$500–$1,5001-3 daysFor infringement
Copyright infringement lawsuit$10,000–$100,000+6-24 monthsFederal court action
How Costs Compare
80%
Self-file (eCO online) 3%
Group registration 3%
Attorney-assisted filing 3%
Special handling (rush) 7%
Cease & desist letter 4%
Copyright infringement la 80%

Pro Tips for Copyright Registration

You don't NEED to register for protection — copyright exists automatically when you create a work. But registration ($65) is required to sue for infringement and collect statutory damages ($30K-$150K per work)
Register within 3 months of publication — this preserves your right to statutory damages and attorney's fees. Register late and you can only get actual damages (often minimal)
Use group registration to save — photos, blog posts, and music recordings can be registered in groups. One $65-$85 filing covers multiple works instead of $65 each
Self-file for straightforward works — the eCO online system is user-friendly. You don't need a lawyer for a single book, song, or photo registration. Save the attorney fee for complex situations
Poor man's copyright doesn't work — mailing yourself a copy does NOT create legal protection. Only USCO registration provides the legal rights you need to enforce your copyright
Software counts as a literary work — code is copyrightable. Register your software source code for the same $65 filing fee. This is separate from (and cheaper than) a patent

Copyright vs Trademark vs Patent

Copyright protects creative expression (books, music, art, code, photos) — automatic at creation, $65 to register, lasts life + 70 years. Trademark protects brand names and logos — $250-$350 to file, lasts forever with renewal. Patent protects inventions and processes — $5,000-$15,000+ to file, lasts 20 years. Most creators need copyright. Most businesses need trademarks. Inventors need patents. Some products need all three (a branded software product, for example).

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much does copyright registration cost?▼
$65 for a single work self-filed online. $65-$85 for group registration. $300-$800 with attorney assistance. Special handling (rush): add $800.
Do I need to register my copyright?▼
Registration isn't required for protection — copyright exists at creation. However, registration is required to file a lawsuit for infringement and to collect statutory damages ($30K-$150K per work). It's worth the $65.
How long does copyright registration take?▼
Standard processing: 3-8 months. Special handling (for pending litigation): 5-10 business days for an extra $800. Processing time doesn't affect your protection — rights date back to the filing date.
What can be copyrighted?▼
Books, articles, songs, photos, paintings, sculptures, movies, software code, architectural designs, choreography, and other creative works. You cannot copyright ideas, facts, titles, names, or short phrases.
How long does copyright last?▼
For works created after 1978: life of the author plus 70 years. For works made for hire: 95 years from publication or 120 years from creation, whichever is shorter.
What do I do if someone copies my work?▼
Step 1: Document the infringement (screenshots, URLs). Step 2: Send a DMCA takedown notice (free). Step 3: If that doesn't work, send a cease & desist letter ($500-$1,500). Step 4: File a federal lawsuit ($10K-$100K+). Registration must be in place before suing.
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📊 Data Sources
Pricing from provider surveys, RealSelf, and industry reports. Updated March 2026.