Copyright Procedure for Computer Programs

The procedure log that follows is how to accomplish registration:

1.Go to the US Copyright office web site: http://lcweb.loc.gov/copyright/

2.To download the forms(the TX standard form)go to: http://lcweb.loc.gov/copyright/forms.html

3.For additional information on the application process go to: http://lcweb.loc.gov/copyright/circs/circ01.html

4.Additional details on computer programs is available on Circular #61.

5.The forms are in a .PDF format and can only be read with Adobe Reader. This is available from Adobe at no charge. It is a fairly large file(10 megs)and will take a while to download: http://www.adobe.com/prodindex/acrobat/main.html

6.When you print the forms up they must be printed on two sides and top edge to top edge.

7.The forms are very detailed and the instructions can be confusing so read them carefully and go over the finished forms several times. The TX form is used for literary works and this includes computer programs. You also need to enclose a copy of the program and its code. If the code exceeds 50 pages then you only include the first and last 25 pages. No acknowledgement or receipt is sent due to the volume of forms. The forms were submitted with a $20 filing fee and the attachments.

Date last updated: 12/04/04