How do you get something copyrighted?

How much is it to get something copyrighted?

• Well about when I was ten I use to go on this animation site(now closed down) there I met this person who used the program ms paint to create little animal characters and animated with them. She inspired me to make my own and later on we met another person who just like us also had some characters. Now we always go and chat online we each have a chat box :3 and its normally just us three but others have characters too. We each came up with a series and hope to post it too you tube thing is I'm scared they may get stolen so I have to get them copyrighted. My parents however no nothing about my characters I'm embarrased to be honest and I don't know how to ask to get them copyrighted also I have no idea of the price or where to even go? Can you not do it online some how?

• Answer:

  Copyrighting costs NOTHING. It relies on the PROOF that you are the original artist - and that you are willing to fight for that recognition. An old way to get 'cheap' date stamps is to print them out and get the post office to stamp OVER the images with the date.....I don't think they do it now. You do not need to pay for copyright...if you do, it's a scam. You DO have to pay to register a TRADEMARK. Just remember - copyright means nothing to a 'thief' if you don't have the money / lawyers to sue for damages.