Registering your copyright isn’t just a formality—it’s a smart business move that empowers you to protect your creative rights and get the respect (and compensation) your work deserves. Before we get into some of the ways you can begin to protect your copyright and take matters into your own hands, you should know why copyright registration matters so much. 

Here's Why Copyright Registration is SO Important:

• It provides legal proof of ownership: If someone uses your image without permission, having it officially registered helps you prove it’s yours in court.
• It gives you access to stronger legal protections: Only registered works qualify for statutory damages (up to $150,000 per infringement) and attorney fees in a lawsuit—this can make or break a case.
• It deters infringement: Knowing a photo is copyrighted and registered makes people think twice before misusing it.
• It protects your business: Your images are assets. Just like you’d insure your gear, copyright registration protects the creative content that brings in your income.
• It gives you options if your work is stolen: With tools like the Copyright Claims Board (CCB), you can resolve disputes more affordably and efficiently—but only if your work is registered.

How to Get Protected

Registering your images with the U.S. Copyright Office might sound intimidating, but it doesn’t have to be. PPA is here to walk you through it. Whether you're new to the process or just need a refresher, we've created a helpful series of videos to guide you through every step.

Watch: 5 Step-by-Step Copyright Video Guides

Our video series breaks down the complexities of copyright into five easy-to-follow guides. From registering your work to understanding key legal distinctions, these videos are a must-watch for any working photographer. You'll learn:

• The difference between published and unpublished images (and why it matters)
• How to register multiple images in batches
• Common mistakes to avoid when filing
• How to use the correct templates from the U.S. Copyright Office
   

Understand the Copyright Claims Board (CCB)

If your work is infringed upon, you have recourse—especially if your images are registered. The Copyright Claims Board (CCB) is a newer, photographer-friendly alternative to federal court. It allows you to pursue claims of up to $30,000 in damages without the high costs or lengthy process of traditional litigation. It's faster, more affordable, and designed to be accessible.

But here's the catch: your work must be registered before the infringement (or within three months of publication) to qualify for full remedies. So don’t delay!

Don’t Wait—Register Early

The best way to protect your creative assets is to register them proactively—before any issues arise. In the video series, PPA’s Government Affairs Manager Luc Boulet shows you exactly how to do that using the U.S. Copyright Office’s tools and templates. He also explains how to determine whether your images are officially “published” or “unpublished”—a detail that can have big legal consequences.

Additional Copyright Resources for PPA Members

Beyond these educational videos, PPA members have access to a wide range of copyright resources, including:

• Sample Copyright and Usage Agreements: Protect your work before any issues arise.
• License Agreements: Access both limited and unlimited licenses to safeguard your work.
• Copyright Infringement Assistance: A helpful tool to guide your next steps if your creative property is infringed upon.
   

Explore these tools and more by visiting the copyright resources page. Your photos are more than just images—they’re your brand, your livelihood, your art. Copyright registration gives you the legal foundation to stand up for your work and ensure it’s used on your terms.