How much does copyright cost?

[evarg78]

I've seen companies advertised on the web that will do copyright searches for you at a 'nominal' fee. Is it better to go through a lawyer even if the company checks out with the BBB?

How expensive are they to get? If you have an idea do you actually have to build it first?

[computerincome]

Do you mean checking whether the document already exists - for example a song or a story? If you are talking about building an item, then you need to patent this NOT copyright. Copyright is only for written items. You need to patent the design to stop any copying. You can check patent registrations and trademarks online for free.

[jason]

It doesnt declare that how much it cost, because it depends upon the property value of a content, in this case you can also locked up.

[MyDigitalpoint]

When it comes to trademarks and patents, some online services provide a basic search for free, mostly based on USA records.

Other than this, it's better get a lawyer helping you going through such research.

[SpikeTheLobster]

There's also the question of intellectual property rights. If you're an inventor, you really need to research thoroughly to figure out whether you need a copyright, a trademark, IP protection or a full patent. Off the top of my head, check out Celia Gates' book "From Brainwave To Business" (which I think is the repackaged version of "From Inventor To Entrepreneur") - she's been there and done it. I know the book gives a TON of useful info on this stuff... because I was her editor.

[adaamarclight]

I've seen companies advertised on the web that will do copyright searches for you at a 'nominal' fee. Is it better to go through a lawyer even if the company checks out with the BBB?

How expensive are they to get? If you have an idea do you actually have to build it first?

It's about $500.000 USDollars in my country. I'm not sure by itself but at least that's the fee for a comic book's copyright in my country. Cause they included that copyright price in my comic book. But i quess it's different from you since the copyright you mentioned different from mine. Anyway it's expensive, so please think a lot before buying it.

[writer811]

Some playwrites I know were able to copyright all of their written works with only thirty dollars each. I don't know how they did it but it appears that it's possible. You could also try registering any written works in the library of congress. That is good evidence that you're the creator if the issue ever comes up.

[Isabellas2007]

If you are looking to copyright some information you need to make sure it is unique. However, you also need to look at the aspect of when you are publishing the content and how you want to get it copyrighted. For example, if you are using the net then you may have to use something different then if you are using it to publish a book.

[SpikeTheLobster]

It's about $500.000 USDollars in my country. I'm not sure by itself but at least that's the fee for a comic book's copyright in my country. Cause they included that copyright price in my comic book. But i quess it's different from you since the copyright you mentioned different from mine. Anyway it's expensive, so please think a lot before buying it.

You were cheated out of $500, then, I'm afraid. Unless they did something very special and different that I've never heard of (or that involves Intellectual Property or Patents, both of which are more concerned with money since they're an idea, not words).

I'll say it again:

Copyright costs *nothing* and is automatic in all countries covered by the Berne Convention (almost all of them).

You can see the difference between copyright and rights over on the Writer Beware blog.

Don't throw your money away for nothing.

[JessyRider]

There are fees to REGISTER a copyright, but registration is needed only if you anticipate a likelihood of commercial use.