How do you get your designs copyrighted?

Answer 1

From: http://www.copyright.gov/help/faq/faq-register.html#register
How do I register my copyright?
To register a work, submit a completed application form, a nonrefundable filing fee of $45, and a nonreturnable copy or copies of the work to be registered. See Circular 1, Copyright Basics, section

Answer 2

It isn't necessary to take any action for a completed artwork to be protected. Copyright protection is automatic, as soon as work of sufficient originality is "fixed in a tangible medium, perceptible to human eye, machine reader or other device".

If you want the additional protection a formally registered copyright can afford, contact the copyright office in your country for the proper procedure and attendant fee structure.

Answer 3

In the USA and over 160 other countries, your own "creative work of authorship" is automatically copyrighted from the moment you put your creation into any "tangible form", such as pencil on paper, paint on canvas, bits in computer memory, photograph on film, sculpture of stone, etc.

Other than that, you don't have to do ANYTHING to obtain copyright protection for your own work. You may optionally place copyright notice on your works to remind people of your ownership and (in a few countries) you may actually file for a registration of your ownership, if you think you may need "official proof" of your claim.

Under US law, you will need a copyright registration certificate before you can file a case for copyright infringement in the US district courts, but not until then.

Answer 4

From: http://www.copyright.gov/help/faq/faq-register.html#register
How do I register my copyright?
To register a work, submit a completed application form, a nonrefundable filing fee of $45, and a nonreturnable copy or copies of the work to be registered. See Circular 1, Copyright Basics, section “Registration Procedures.”
Here's a link to download the application form: http://www.copyright.gov/forms/
To register a work, send the following three elements in the same envelope or package to: Library of Congress
Copyright Office
101 Independence Avenue, SE
Washington, DC 20559-6000

1. A properly completed application form.
2. A nonrefundable filing fee* for each application.
3. The deposit requirements vary in particular situations. The general requirements follow. Also note the information under “Special Deposit Requirements.”
   • If the work was first published in the United States on or after January 1, 1978, two complete copies or phonorecords of the best edition.
   • If the work was first published in the United States before January 1, 1978, two complete copies or phonorecords of the work as first published.
   • If the work was first published outside the United States, one complete copy or phonorecord of the work as first published.
   • If sending multiple works, all applications, deposits, and fees should be sent in the same package. If possible, applications should be attached to the appropriate deposit. Whenever possible, number each package (e.g., 1 of 3, 2 of 4) to facilitate processing.