How to Copyright an Image/Photograph with Watermark [Free/Paid]

How to Copyright an Image/Photograph with Watermark [Free/Paid]

The prevalence of social media has inspired people to upload more images or photos online. It is easier to share your life, experiences, or even ideas, but it is easier for others to steal your “works.” That is why copyright protection turns out to be increasingly important nowadays, and it is essential to learn how to copyright an image.

You can resort to the U.S. Copyright Office to copyright protect your images, which will be mentioned in this post as well. However, it is a paid service that is also time-consuming and cumbersome. So is there an easy and free way to protect my images or pictures? Well, you can apply a personal watermark to them, and all you need to do is to have a practical watermark tool on your PC.

Let’s start our journey 😀.

Part 1. How to Copyright a Photo [Paid Way] 

📌 How to Copyright an Image through the US. Copyright Office

If you want to make your images, like drawings, photographs, artworks, etc., under the protection of image copyright laws, you can register an image copyright in the US. Copyright Office. And there usually are two ways to get the copyright, including mail and online filling. You will automatically have at least 25-year ownership of the copyrighted images as long as you get the copyright. Moreover, you are entitled to sue those infringing on your copyright.

💌 Copyright Pictures Online/via Email

If you choose to trademark photos online, it will cost $35 per image and take at most eight months to finish the whole copyright filing. And the specific pricing varies on your image number. On the other hand, if you decide to get a copyright certificate via mail, it will cost $50 per photo and take at most 13 months. Although it may be time-consuming and paid, it shows its value and importance when the event of stealing your work appears. No more words, and just move ahead to the simple guide.

• Step 1. Explore the US. Copyright Office website to fill in the copyright application form online. Or you can mail the application paper to the US. Copyright Office directly.
• Step 2. Submit your work copies and pay for the filing fees.
• Step 3. After examining and verifying, Copyright Office will provide you with a registration certification.

Part 2. How to Copyright an Image [Free Way]

📌 Fix 1. How to Copyright Images by WorkinTool Watermark Eraser

As mentioned in the previous chapter, a watermark effectively allows general people to copyright-protect images and photos. We introduce you to a helpful desktop tool – WorkinTool Watermark Eraser.

WorkinTool Watermark Eraser is a powerful all-in-one watermark solution provider for the Windows system. Designed with an easy-to-use interface and straightforward navigation, even beginners will find it less challenging to operate. Besides, only a few steps will allow you to create watermarks on your images or photographs. Moreover, many features of your watermarks are adjustable, including size, transparency, and inclination.

To import copyright protection to your pictures, I recommend you make a logo or a signature watermark. In this software, there are two types of watermarks to select: text and image.

1️⃣ Copyright an Image with a Text Logo or Signature:

1. Firstly, open the tool and choose Add watermark to the image.
2. Secondly, select image or drop your file in the designated area to upload your picture.
3. Thirdly, select Add text watermark.
4. Finally, type your logo words, adjust the features and click on Save to export the results.

2️⃣ Copyright Photos with an Image Watermark:

• Firstly, open the tool and select Add watermark to the image.
• Secondly, upload your file by choosing from the folder or dragging it.
• Thirdly, select the image watermark.
• Lastly, alter the watermark features as you like and click on Save to get a new picture.

More Guides You Probably Need

📌 Fix 2. How to Copyright an Image with Paint 3D

Instead of watermark makers, you can also use photo editors to add a signature or logo to copyright your photo. The built-in program called Paint 3D on Windows or other tools with your phone can give you some aid. However, take Paint 3D as an example; many features are not optional for you to customize the watermarks. While other tools will usually charge your license payment to export the edited photos. Also, some photo editors in the field cannot change the opacity of the text or image on the photo, which will affect the viewing experience.

• Step 1. Open your image with Paint 3D.
• Step 2. Then click the Text tool on the top and add the wanted text on your image.
• Step 3. Adjust the font size, type, location, and effect.

FAQs

Common Questions about Copyrighting Images

🔎 What is copyright?

Copyright is a type of intellectual property that can protect original works of authorship. It is a way to save a specific work created by an owner from being used by others without permission. In copyright law, there are many works, including paintings, photographs, illustrations, musical compositions, sound recordings, computer programs, books, poems, blog posts, movies, architectural works, plays, and so much more!

🔎 Why do you require copyright?

Sometimes it will put you in a bad mood when you see your pictures displayed on others’ social media accounts without your approval. However, the phenomenon could be prevented to some extent if your images or photos are copyrighted. The public’s growing awareness of intellectual property will force them to shun the thought of using them without informing the owner. Hence, adding copyright protection to your images or photos is essential. Though there are many approaches to achieving this goal, placing watermarks over pictures will be an effortless method for social media lovers.

🔎 How to remove the copyright from an image?

If you want to remove the copyright logo from an image, WorkinTool Watermark Eraser can help you a lot. However, you had better not take the edited images for commercial use. Otherwise, your acts are illegal, and you will be prosecuted.

• Firstly, open WorkinTool and select the Remove watermark from image feature.
• Secondly, click Select Image to load your photo file.
• Thirdly, use the Brush tool to highlight the copyright logo. Lastly, click Save to keep the edited photo on your device.

🔎 If I take a photo, do I own the copyright?

Of course, you have the copyright of the photos taken by you according to the Berne Convention. Because many work-stolen issues have risen in recent years, you’d better watermark your original photos or register copyright in the US. Copyright Office to prove the photographs are owned by you.

Final Thought

Generally speaking, how to copyright an image will no longer be a problem if you turn to a watermark maker for help. We sincerely hope you understand the importance of image copyright and its methods. Also, it is strongly recommended that you try WorkinTool Watermark Eraser. Except for desktop software, we offer you a watermark maker app for Android. It makes things easier if you need to add copyright to your pictures on mobile phones.