How do I find out if something is already copyrighted?

Getting photographs copyrighted?

• I would like to get my photos copyrighted, and from a quick search I find that I have to fill out an application to get something copyrighted, and it will cost around $30. Say I wanted to copyright 10 photos, what should I do to get them copyrighted, and how much would it cost?

• Answer:

  You can actually submit a collection of photographs and copyright them together, thus paying only one fee of $30. From the instructions of Form VA: Complete space 6 if this work is a “changed version,” “compilation,” or “derivative work,” and if it incorporates one or more earlier works that have already been published or registered for copyright, or that have fallen into the public domain.A “compilation” is defined as “a work formed by the collection and assembling of preexisting materials or of data that are selected, coordinated, or arranged in such a way that the resulting work as a whole constitutes an original work of authorship.” The process is simple: Fill out Form VA, include your pictures as specified in the instructions on the form (adhere to the size requirements, etc.), and mail the completed form with your fee. Remember, you'll need to provide a name of the collection, not just the individual photos (see instructions on form). Look under Visual Arts in the first link for the different forms you'll need. The second link is to the form you want with instructions. The third link is some additional information on copywriting your work.