Reasons for Registering the Copyright

Registration establishes a public record of the copyright claim. The U.S. Government's copyright web site notes: "Before an infringement suit may be filed in court, registration is necessary for works of U.S. origin. If made before or within five years of publication, registration will establish prima facie evidence in court of the validity of the copyright and of the facts stated in the certificate.

If registration is made within three months after publication of the work or prior to an infringement of the work, statutory damages and attorney's fees will be available to the copyright owner in court actions. Otherwise, only an award of actual damages and profits is available to the copyright owner. Registration allows the owner of the copyright to record the registration with the U.S. Customs Service for protection against the importation of infringing copies."

*There are many reasons for officially registering the copyright when you self publish a book. It simply is another protection of your rights.