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Originally Posted by HarryT
Why would anyone need to "file for copyright"? File with whom? In any country which is a signatory to the Berne Copyright Convention, copyright automatically exists the instant the work is created.
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The Library of Congress has ways to publicly register copyright. It may automatically exist, but if it is registered then somebody else cannot claim it as theirs. I believe webpages can be registered as well - without it it might be hard to prove in court that somebody stole from it. From the LOC FAQ:
http://copyright.gov/help/faq/faq-general.html
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Why should I register my work if copyright protection is automatic?
Registration is recommended for a number of reasons. Many choose to register their works because they wish to have the facts of their copyright on the public record and have a certificate of registration. Registered works may be eligible for statutory damages and attorney's fees in successful litigation. Finally, if registration occurs within 5 years of publication, it is considered prima facie evidence in a court of law. See Circular 1, Copyright Basics, section “Copyright Registration” and Circular 38b, Highlights of Copyright Amendments Contained in the Uruguay Round Agreements Act (URAA), on non-U.S. works.
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