EEasy Filing Hub

Small Business

Written Works Registration (Copyright Form TX)

Protect your books, articles, scripts, and text.

We'll guide you through it, step by step

  • ✓Simple questions in plain language — no legal jargon
  • ✓We fill in the official form and check for common mistakes
  • ✓Private — no document uploads

Free to start • No credit card • Official form

Not sure this is the right form? Take the free eligibility check

Estimated fee

$45–$65 online; $125 for paper Form TX

View official fee calculator ↗

Typical timeline

1 to 6 months (electronic filing)

Category

Small Business

Who qualifies

Authors, publishers, or copyright owners of original written works, such as books, poetry, articles, scripts, and computer programs created or published in eligible jurisdictions.

The step-by-step roadmap

  1. 1

    Identify Authorship and Ownership

    Determine every author who contributed and identify whether the work was a work-made-for-hire or created independently.

    Watch out: Listing an employer as the author when no written work-for-hire agreement exists.
    Common rejection reason: Mismatched author names or contradictory ownership claims between the deposit copy and the form.
  2. 2

    Select Registration Format

    Decide between applying electronically via the eCO portal or mailing a physical Form TX paper application.

    Watch out: Paper filings cost more than double and take significantly longer to process.
    Common rejection reason: Using outdated paper forms or paying incorrect fee amounts.
  3. 3

    Prepare the Deposit Copies

    Gather a complete electronic or physical copy of the written text exactly as published or completed.

    Watch out: Submitting incomplete chapters, draft summaries, or illegible scans.
    Common rejection reason: Failing to submit the 'best edition' of a published book.
  4. 4

    Submit and Monitor Status

    Pay the filing fee, submit the deposit copies, and track correspondence from the Copyright Office.

    Watch out: Ignoring email inquiries from the examiner, which closes your case.
    Common rejection reason: Unanswered clarification requests regarding preexisting material or public domain elements.

Documents you'll need

  • Complete Deposit Copy

    A full, clean copy of the written manuscript, published book, or source code.

    Note: Published works usually require two physical copies of the best edition if mailed.

  • Claimant Identification

    Legal names, pseudonyms (if used), addresses, and citizenship details for all authors and claimants.

  • Transfer of Rights Documentation

    Written contracts or assignment deeds if the registering party is not the original author.

    Note: Required when ownership was transferred via purchase, contract, or inheritance.

Ready to start?

Run the free eligibility check first, then get your personalized roadmap and document checklist.

Check my eligibility

Fees and timelines are as published by the relevant agency and may change — verify before filing. This guide is general information, not legal advice.