How to Copyright a Musical Play
- 1). Export your play in one of the acceptable formats. Text files are accepted as .doc, .docx, .txt and .rtf. However, one of the easiest ways to submit your file is through a PDF. PDF files are easily created with many word processing programs. They make your content uneditable and secure.
- 2). Record a video or write out any dance steps you have created for the musical play. According to the official Copyright.gov website, dance steps should be written in a professional form like Benesh Notation.
- 3). Convert the dance step video to one of the accepted video formats like AVI, MPEG, MOV, RM or WMV. A free video converter like the VLC Media Player will make this process easier.
- 4). Register for the Electronic Copyright Office. Before anyone files a copyright claim, users must create an account and provide basic contact information. Accept the terms and press "Finish" to complete the application. If everything is entered correctly, your account home page will load.
- 5). Click on the "Register a New Claim" link on the left side of the webpage. A three-step process will automatically load.
- 6). Click on the three-step shortcut links to read detailed information about each step. If you are ready to proceed, click on the "Start Registration" link at the top of the page.
- 7). Choose the "Work of Performing" arts link from the drop-down menu. Continue to follow the steps until all the information is completed.
- 8). Pay for your registration through Pay.Gov. The website will automatically load when the registration process has completed. Using a debit or credit card, enter your billing information and process the payment.
- 9). Upload the work and write a description for each file. Double check to make sure your name and contact information is listed on the work.
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Complete the registration by clicking the "Finish" button. Within a few months, you will receive your copyright certificate in the mail.