How Do I Copyright My Graphic Design?

A copyright is a legal protection that allows an author or creator to control how their work is used by others. This means that anyone who wants to use the work must first obtain permission from the copyright holder. For designers, it’s important to understand how copyright works so they can protect their original designs and ensure they are compensated for their work.

When creating a graphic design, copyright law applies automatically. This means that as soon as you create a new work, you own the rights to it.

You do not need to register your design with the U.S. Copyright Office or take any other action in order to have legal protection. However, registering your design with the Copyright Office will give you certain advantages if someone infringes on your copyright.

In order to register your design, you’ll need to complete an application form and submit it to the U. Copyright Office along with two copies of your graphic design and a filing fee of $35-$55 depending on which form you’re submitting.

Once your registration is complete, there are several steps that designers can take in order to protect their work:

  • Mark Your Work: It’s important to make sure that everyone knows that your work is copyrighted. Adding a © notice and date of creation (i.e., © 2017 Joe Smith) will help inform potential users that the work is protected by copyright law.
  • Keep Records: Make sure you keep records of any uses of your copyrighted material, including who used it and when it was used.
  • Know Your Rights: Educate yourself on the different types of licenses available for copyrighted works so you know what rights other people have when using them.

Designers should also be aware of potential infringements on their copyrights as well as how to go about enforcing them if necessary. If someone uses a designer’s work without permission or violates any terms listed in the license agreement, they may be liable for damages or even criminal charges.

By understanding how copyright law works and taking steps to protect their designs, designers can ensure that their hard work is properly compensated for and respected by others.

Conclusion – How Do I Copyright My Graphic Design?



Graphic designers can easily protect their designs by obtaining a copyright registration from the U.

Copyright Office and taking additional steps such as marking their work with a © notice, keeping records of usage and educating themselves on licenses available for copyrighted works. By understanding how copyright law works and taking steps to protect their designs, designers can ensure that their hard work is properly compensated for and respected by others.