How Much Does It Cost to Copyright Something?
By Nuzayra Haque-Shah, Esq., California-licensed intellectual property attorney, NH Legal P.C. Updated November 2026. This is general information, not legal advice for your situation.
Short answer: a copyright application at NH Legal is $1,299 flat, plus the U.S. Copyright Office’s own filing fee (see copyright.gov fees). For creators who need a trademark and copyrights together, the CEO Trademark Package ($5,999 flat, government fees excluded) includes one trademark application and two copyright applications.
Why register if you already own the copyright
- You own copyright the moment the work is created and fixed, with no filing needed.
- To sue for infringement in the U.S., you generally need a registration (or a refused application) first.
- Registering before infringement, or within three months of publication, makes statutory damages and attorney’s fees available. Without that, you are usually limited to proving actual losses.
What creators usually register
Courses and workbooks, books and e-books, photography, video, music, artwork and illustrations, software, and website copy. More on this: copyright and creator law.
Copyright vs. trademark
Copyright protects the work. Trademark protects the brand name or logo on it. Most creator businesses need both. See what a trademark costs.
Quick answers
How much does it cost to register a copyright?
At NH Legal, a copyright application is $1,299 flat plus the U.S. Copyright Office filing fee. The government fee depends on the application type; see copyright.gov for the current amount.
Do I need to register a copyright to own it?
No. Copyright exists as soon as an original work is fixed in a tangible form. Registration is what lets a U.S. owner sue for infringement, and registering early makes statutory damages and attorney's fees available.
What is the difference between a copyright and a trademark?
A copyright protects creative work itself, such as writing, art, photos, video, music, and code. A trademark protects the name, logo or slogan that identifies who sells a product or service.
Next step: see every flat fee on our pricing page, or speak with our legal team about your mark.
Key facts and official sources
- U.S. Copyright Office online filing fee: $45 (single author, same claimant, one work, not for hire); $65 Standard Application; $125 paper filing.
Sources: U.S. Copyright Office, Fees. Government fees change; check the source before filing. This page is general information, not legal advice.