How To Copyright Your Jewelry Designs
Your original jewelry designs are a result of your hard work and creativity. Should someone use and sell your design, you could lose money, not to mention become frustrated and angry by seeing your design lifted. Your work is automatically copyrighted when you create it; however, you can take further steps to protect your work.
- Check to make sure your design is original. Search for similar designs. Your work is only copyrighted to you if it's completely original. Search the Internet and the copyright office database.
- Consider registering your work with the U.S. Copyright office. You do have a copyright as soon as your original piece is created, but registering that piece can provide further protection. Registration creates a public record of your copyright. This will help if there's ever a dispute about who created a design first. It will also make going to court to sue people that violate your copyrights easier. The amount of damages you can collect is also higher when you officially register a piece. However, registration is not free. You also might need to hire an attorney to complete the process.
- Take photos of the work from several different angles. You should submit these when you file for registration. You should also keep copies of all the pictures on file at your home. Make sure that the photos show the details of the piece, especially anything original to the piece.
- Download the registration form on the U.S. Copyright Office's website. You can fill out the form online and submit it electronically or download the form and mail it to the U.S. Copyright Office.
- Wait for the certificate to be mailed back to you by the U.S. Copyright Office. Should there be any problems with your registration, the office will call or mail you a letter explaining the problem and asking for further information. Answer any such calls or letters promptly to avoid delays with registration.