KDP Select copyright question

MOO

For those who have used KDP @Chip-Valecek and @Squirrel-Size , for example When you fill out the details about your book, they ask if you have the copyright. I understand that as soon as you create something it is copyrighted but if you don't officially register it and pay the $25, etc. can you still claim that you have a copyright? Or do you leave that blank? Thanks!

Still navigating the KDP info to publish my book. Thanks!

Elizabeth Rose

Owning the copyright essentially means you are the original creator of the work. Like its not something you took from someone else, like Disney or a well-known story like Peter Rabbit.

Sometimes the publishing industry, the copyright could be owned by the publishing company due to an agreement between the publishing and the creator/author. But you don't have to worry about that cause your self-Publishing

MOO

@Squirrel-Size Okay, cool. That's what I was thinking but wanted to be sure Thanks!

Paul Burton

@Marsha-Kay-Ottum-Owen A slight clarification on the discussion ... Technically-speaking, your work is copyrighted the moment you put pen to paper. However, if you do not register your work, there is no guarantee that the law will side with you if for some reason you wound up in court challenging someone who potentially stole your idea—It literally becomes a he-said-she-said argument. Registering your work with the US Copyright and Patent office is the only way to prove that you were the first to come up with the idea.

If you are self-publishing, then you should absolutely take the step to officially register your work and protect your intellectual property.

MOO

@Paul-Burton Thank you. If I have an e-book and am trying ot create the print book with isbn listed (I have not listed it on the e-book, just using the ASIN from Amazon KDP) do I have to register them separately? I also have one I have made some changes in as far as removing an old logo, etc. on the back and adding a new isbn and edition 2 on. It already has a copyright. Would I have to re-register that one too? Thanks.

Lee White

@Marsha-Kay-Ottum-Owen The single copyright registration should cover any use of the same title.

MOO

@Lee-White oh good! Thanks, Lee!

jimsz

I am surprised nobody has brought up the most important benefit of registering a copyright.

The largest benefit with the copyright (registered) has to do with litigation and damages.

With a registered copyright you can sue infringers and seek statutory damages and attorney fees. Without a registered copyright you can only go for actual damage and profits which you have to prove.

Registering a copyright also allows you to record your copyright with US customs which helps infringing items to be imported into the USA.

Registering a copyright also gives you a valid and clear ownership record.