OT: Getting work copyrighted

[Brandon Panther]

I have a few questions about getting my own work copyrighted. I know I have to fill out a form and mail it to the Library of Congress, with $45.

One question I have is the $45 issue. Do I have to pay $45 for each thing I want copyrighted? I have about four things I want to get copyrighted, so would I have to pay $180?

Also, I've created some cartoon characters, and I'd like my comic strips copyrighted. But, if I get just my characters copyrighted, do my strips already become copyrighted since they have those characters?

[Ray Pointer]

I have a few questions about getting my own work copyrighted. I know I have to fill out a form and mail it to the Library of Congress, with $45.

One question I have is the $45 issue. Do I have to pay $45 for each thing I want copyrighted? I have about four things I want to get copyrighted, so would I have to pay $180?

Also, I've created some cartoon characters, and I'd like my comic strips copyrighted. But, if I get just my characters copyrighted, do my strips already become copyrighted since they have those characters?

YOu have four things? Are they separate creations? Before any novice would be attorneys pop up here, I am sure you are aware that you can copyright your character as a "design." You can also register a group or "family" of characters with a designated title and copyright that as a "design." While the basic copyright is $45.00, you will also want to file the name of the creation as a trademark. That will cost you $375.00. Copyrights and Trademarks can be filed on line. To file for a trademark search the Internet for Patents and Trademarks, and follow the steps carefully. You can do this yourself without the aid of a special attorney.
While your trademark is being considered, letters from attorney's offices will try to convince you that you need to spend an additional $300 or more to secure the trademark and expedite the matter. This is nonsense and a waste of money. The government appoints a trademark attorney to examine the application. This attorney will advise you should some discrepency arrise.

Good luck!

[Brandon Panther]

Well, I actually have more than four. There are a few more cartoons I did that I had forgotten about. I have a logo that I want trademarked, which I've attached below (and whether me posting it on this board being a stupid move can be open for debate). I have a series of characters, devided into two different groups. That is they are from different comics.

If I wanted to copyright all of my characters, should I group them together all on the same page, with all their names? Or would it be best to get them trademarked individually.

I also have a movie screenplay, that is not finished yet. Regardless, as to if it ever becomes an actual movie, I want my screenplay copyrighted as well.

[Ray Pointer]

Well, I actually have more than four. There are a few more cartoons I did that I had forgotten about. I have a logo that I want trademarked, which I've attached below (and whether me posting it on this board being a stupid move can be open for debate). I have a series of characters, devided into two different groups. That is they are from different comics.

If I wanted to copyright all of my characters, should I group them together all on the same page, with all their names? Or would it be best to get them trademarked individually.

I also have a movie screenplay, that is not finished yet. Regardless, as to if it ever becomes an actual movie, I want my screenplay copyrighted as well.

The answers are the same. You will do well to go on line and read what The Library of Congress states as copyrightable and trademarketable items. Yes, a script, screenplay, and story premise can be copyrighted too. If you do not have access to an Intellectual Properties Attorney, your next best bet is to do the research yourself, as you can file copyrights without engaging the services of an attorney. But you need to do your research at the source. This is easier than ever since it is on line.

This forum is not that source since offering such information here is similar to offering medical advice when one is not a licensed physician. I can only offer my knowledge based on my experiences. So my advice once again is for you to go to the sources I suggested. They are the experts.