Copyrighted Quit Claim and Patent Acceptance—

[JPalmisano]

In the instructions on the Land Patent Sandwich, you refer to documents being copyrighted. With whom, where and how are the documents being copyrighted?

[Electra225]

Hi JPalmisano,
I read your question and thought it was interesting so I decided to look the answers up for myself and I’d like to share what I found.

Originating in the Copyright Act of 1790, a copyright is a form of protection grounded in the U.S. Constitution and granted by law for original works of authorship fixed in a tangible medium of expression. Copyright covers both published and unpublished works.

When we as United States citizens create or invent an original work, our work is under copyright protection the moment it is created and fixed in a tangible form that it is perceptible either directly or with the aid of a machine or device.

We may choose to voluntarily register our works with the U.S. Copyright office located in the library of Congress because we wish to have the facts of our copyright on the public record and have a certificate of registration. We will have to register, however, if we wish to bring a lawsuit for infringement of a U.S. work. Registered works may be eligible for statutory damages and attorney's fees in successful litigation. Finally, if registration occurs within 5 years of publication, it is considered prima facie (at first sight or apparently correct) evidence in a court of law.

Hope it helps.