The most practical and efficient manner to register images is in a group. The Form VA can be used to register a group of two or more images published in the same year. The form requires the publication date relating to each image, however, it is not necessary to provide an original copy of each published image in the group. No more than 50 sheets can be attached to a single VA form so up to 750 images can be included in a group. If protection is being sought for more than 750 images, then the images must be divided in to several groups submitting a form VA for each.

If protection is being sought for more than one calendar year then each year must have its own Form VA and separate fees must be paid for each.

Registration can be sought at any time, however to preserve the protection of collecting attorneys fees and statutory damages for infringements occurring before registration, an application must be filed within three months of publication.

If a published work is infringed after the three month period and a request for registration has not been filed the work may still be registered but the right to statutory damages and attorneys fees has been lost and the registrant must prove actual damages resulting in a heavier burden of proof for the right owner. 

The registration of unpublished images is less complicated and can be sought regardless of how long ago the work was created and can be submitted in an unlimited number on one form for one fee.

For filing assistance contact legal@vipo-online.org.