Here's why:
* Automatic Copyright: In the United States (and many other countries), copyright is automatically granted to the creator of an original work the moment it's fixed in a tangible form (written down, recorded, etc.). This means you don't need to pay a fee or register to have copyright protection.
* Registration Benefits: While registration isn't mandatory, it provides a few key benefits:
* Legal Evidence: A registered copyright gives you stronger legal proof of ownership in case of infringement disputes.
* Statutory Damages: Registered copyrights allow you to pursue higher statutory damages if someone infringes on your work.
* International Protection: Registration can help you secure copyright protection in other countries that are part of international copyright treaties.
How to Register Your Copyright:
1. Go to the US Copyright Office website: [https://www.copyright.gov/](https://www.copyright.gov/)
2. Choose "eCO" (Electronic Copyright Office): This is the online system for registering your work.
3. Select "Literary Works": This category includes poems.
4. Follow the instructions for filling out the application and uploading your poem.
5. Pay the filing fee: The current fee for registering a literary work is $55.
Remember:
* Even without registration, you still hold copyright.
* Registration is a good idea for additional legal protection and potential financial benefits.
* It's wise to include a copyright notice on your poem (© [Your Name] [Year]).
Let me know if you have any other questions about copyrighting your poem!