Copyrighting my finished video

[Mike Warren]

When I'm finally finished with my documentary (3 1/2 years in the making) I wish to assure myself that someone else won't claim it as his. Is there a way of doing this? Or is it somehow automatically copyrighted? Any help would be appreciated. Thanks! Mike

[Black Lab]

The way in which copyright protection is secured is frequently misunderstood. No publication or registration or other action in the Copyright Office is required to secure copyright. There are, however, certain definite advantages to registration. Copyright is secured automatically when the work is created, and a work is ¡§created¡¨ when it is fixed in a copy or phonorecord for the first time.

See http://www.copyright.gov for more info.

[Ron P.]

Basically you're work is protected under copyright laws. However I think you're referring to copy protection. If so this is done by licensing DVD CCA. It is very expensive. The initial fee is about $30,000, with an annual fee of $15,000. So for about $45,000 you can copy-protect it. However a good internet search will find a multitude of ways to defeat it, and will cost nothing...

[DVDDoug]

Of course, I suggest you put a copyright notice at the beginning or end (or both) with the date and your name.

There is some good information on Wikipedia and a good FAQ at copyright.gov. It looks you can register your copyright online for $35, which is probably a good idea if you're planning on selling your DVD.

[mitchell65]

Lets be clear that the above advice which is no doubt very accurate does apply to the USA. Tis slightly different here in the UK

[Black Lab]

Mike is in the U.S., hence the above advice.

[DVDDoug]

And, here's a "modified" FBI Warning that you can use!

(I guess those of you who live elsewhere will have to design your own version.)

[Black Lab]

These can be found HERE.

[sjj1805]

And, here's a "modified" FBI Warning that you can use!

(I guess those of you who live elsewhere will have to design your own version.)

[Ken Berry]

... or else rely on the U.S. assertion of extra-territorial jurisdiction for the FBI!!!

[Mike Warren]

Thanks gentlemen! You've all been a great help. Best regards, Mike