For copyright registration applications, this pages lists questions and answers to our most commonly asked questions about postal applications.
Formats and limits
- In what formats can work be registered?
The main accepted formats are:
CD
DVD
USB Flash drive
Floppy disc
Cassette tape
VHS video tape
Paper - incuding photographs, transparencies and prints.
Please see our registration format pages for conditions for paper formats, a full breakdown of recommended and not recommended formats, as well as information about all registration formats and details of how to contact an advisor.
Compact disc is normally the best format for postal applications as it provides generous storage for most works, it is the most convenient format for our administrators to work with, and it is a light and compact format, (and therefore cheaper to post).
- Is there a limit to how much work can be submitted in one registration?
The standard charges include submissions of CDs, USB Flash drive or a DVD drive containing up to 1GB (1024MB) of data, up to 4 floppy discs, or paper documents, photos or fabric samples up to 20 pages A4/Letter/Foolscap size
A £5 processing fee will apply for:
Paper documents between 21 & 100 pages.
DVD/CD disc(s) or USB Flash drive, over 1GB and up to 4GB.
A £15 processing fee will apply for:
DVD/CD disc(s) or USB Flash Drive, over 4GB and up to 8GB.
Paper documents between 101 & 250 pages.
Cassette tapes.
A £25 processing fee will apply for:
VHS video.
Paper documents between 251 & 500 pages.
Larger works should be treated as 2 or more registrations.
The preferred formats for postal submissions are CD or DVD.
- How do I register a web site?
Normally the best way to register a web site is to send a copy of the entire site onto a CD or floppy disk(s) with the application form.
If you are using Front Page or similar editing software, it is advisable to publish the site to a local folder on your system then use a copy of this folder to register the work, this will normally ensure that all files are included with the application.
- I have a number of songs/poems etc., can I register them collectively?
Yes. A collection of songs, poems, etc can be processed under a single registration, for a single fee, provided that you:
- Use a single collective title as the ‘Title of work’ on the application form. (please do not list the items individually),
- Ensure that the total size does not exceed our limits per registration (above),
- Ensure that the same author/group/organisation own all the items.
International cover
- Are applications accepted from outside the UK?
Yes. We are able to accept applications from all countries.
- Do I need to register in other countries as well?
No. As copyright is an automatic international right, with 149 states signed up to the Berne Convention world-wide and 181 signatories of WIPO/Paris/Berne Conventions, there is normally no need to make further applications.
Although there are certain notes that US citizens should read. The purpose of the registration is to provide independent verification of your work; therefore additional registrations would merely duplicate the same information, and provide no additional cover.
- How do I pay by cheque in £ sterling, if I live outside the UK?
If you ask at your bank, they will be able to write a cheque or international money order for UK pounds sterling (GBP).
Miscellaneouss
- How long does it take for work to be registered?
Most applications are dealt with within 2 working days of receipt, but please allow 14 days for postage time and variations in workload.
- Can I send amendments to add to my registered work?
You should use the registration update facility to register any updates to your work. This enables you to include any new content in the registration, whilst still retaining the original registration date, and evidence of the original content of your work. Updates processed in this manner are linked with your existing registration, and protected from the date we process the application. This also provides evidence of ‘evolution of ideas’ and demonstrates that your work has evolved and developed.
Additional information
For more information about registration for your work, please see our fact sheet P-04: Registering Copyright, or see our question and answers pages on general questions and online applications.
