Shayne-Michael.COMedy

How To Register A Stand-Up Act/
Or Script In A Nutshell - Shayne Michael

The following persons are legally entitled to submit an copyright application: The author. This is the person who actually created the act or joke. The owner of exclusive right(s) This could include a joke that you bought under the work for hire law. Finally, the duly authorized agent This is any person authorized to act on behalf of the author or owner of the copyright. For instance, you can give your literary agent permission to register the material you prepared for your upcoming book, Comedy in the 21st Century, Why It Just Ain't Funny No Mo'.

If you choose to register your act, you will need to follow directions carefully. This is a break-down from the copyright website in a nutshell. To register a work, send the following three elements in the same envelope to:

First include a completed application form. For stand-up comedy and most comedy scripts you would use form PA which is most often used for work with the field of performing arts. You can also download form PA {with detailed instructions} from the copyright website at the copyright office's official website. You must also include a nonrefundable filing fee of $30 for each application as of June 1st, 2004. Remember over time that fee will eventually increase. The $30 should not be in cash. Finally, you would attach your act, novel, story or script on good quality 8.5-inch by 11-inch white paper. The copyright office must photocopy everything, so use a laser printer.

Don't count on a refund from Uncle Sam if you put your package together incorrectly. A copyright registration is effective on the date the Copyright Office receives all the required elements. If you submit your package and more information is needed you can expect a letter or a telephone call from a Copyright Office. If the work becomes registered you can expect to receive a certificate of registration. If the work cannot be registered you would receive a letter explaining why.