Let’s be honest—your logo is more than a graphic. It’s your first impression, your handshake, your storefront window, and your silent sales rep all wrapped into one tiny image.
So naturally, you want to protect it.
But the big question is: how much does it cost to get a logo copyrighted?
The short answer? $55.
The long answer? Read on, because we’re going to break down what that cost gets you, what it doesn’t, and how to make sure your logo designs are legally protected the right way.
Are Logos Automatically Copyrighted?
Here’s the part most people don’t know:
Yes, your logo is technically copyrighted the moment it’s created. You don’t need to fill out a form or submit an application for it to be considered your intellectual property.
But here’s the catch:
If someone uses your logo and you haven’t registered it with the U.S. Copyright Office, enforcing your rights becomes a legal headache you really don’t want.
Without registration, you can’t sue for damages.
You can’t claim attorney fees.
You can’t prove a clear date of ownership.
And if you’ve ever worked in marketing, you know legal ambiguity is the last thing you want floating around your brand identity.
Whether you’re in Atlanta or Anchorage, if you’ve got a logo in play—you need to think about copyright registration to maximize your legal protection.
Why Copyright Matters for Your Brand
If you’re a marketing director, you already know what it takes to build a brand that lasts: consistency, clarity, and control.
A registered copyright helps with all three. Here’s why:
- Consistency: You can stop knockoffs and copycats in their tracks.
- Clarity: You have legal ownership on record. That matters in rebrands, licensing, or lawsuits.
- Control: You decide how your logo appears—and who gets to use it.
Even in organizations where legal gets final say, having that registration in your back pocket makes your life easier, faster, and far less risky.
What Does It Cost to Copyright a Logo?
Here’s the financial breakdown:
- U.S. Copyright Office filing fee: $55 per logo
(If submitted online via the standard application)
That’s it. One flat fee.
This cost applies whether you designed the logo yourself or worked with a professional (and if we’re being honest, we highly recommend the latter).
This $55 covers:
- Review of your application
- Confirmation of originality
- Official certificate of registration
And that certificate? It’s the golden ticket if someone ever tries to rip off your brand.
The Step-by-Step Process for Copyright Registration
If you’re thinking this sounds like a massive legal rabbit hole—it’s not.
Here’s the quick and clear path to getting your logo registered:
1. Design Your Logo
This may seem obvious, but let’s make one thing clear: Don’t copyright an unfinished or placeholder logo. Make sure the version you’re submitting is final.
If you’re still in the brainstorming stage, consider hiring a professional designer. A strong logo isn’t just pretty—it’s strategic. And strategic logos are easier to protect because they’re more distinct.
2. Gather Your Info
To fill out your application, you’ll need:
- The title of the work (your logo)
- The date it was created
- The name and contact information of the creator and owner (you or your company)
3. Fill Out the Application
Head over to the U.S. Copyright Office website.
Use the Standard Application for a single logo submission.
Follow the prompts. Upload your logo file.
Don’t overthink it.
4. Pay the $55 Fee
This is where the real protection starts.
Submit your payment securely through the U.S. Copyright Office’s portal.
5. Submit and Wait
After submission, your application enters review. This process can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months, depending on workload and complexity.
Once approved, you’ll receive a Certificate of Registration—your proof of ownership.
What Copyright Doesn’t Cover (Read This Twice)
While copyrighting your logo is a solid start, it only protects the artistic expression of your design.
That means:
- It does not stop someone from using a similar-looking logo with a different name.
- It does not protect slogans, brand names, or colors.
If you want full legal protection for your brand identity, you’ll also want to consider trademarking your logo.
Where copyright protects the creative, a trademark protects the commercial.
In many cases, doing both is the smart move—especially if you’re scaling or selling.
Copyright vs Trademark: Which One Do You Need?
Copyright = Protects the creative look and design.
Trademark = Protects the brand element used in commerce.
If you’re just starting out, copyright is an easy win.
If your logo is tied to a product, business name, or sales activity—you’ll likely want to trademark it too.
Think of copyright as locking the door.
A trademark is installing the alarm system.
And if you want both? MOCK, the agency can point you in the right direction.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Here are some pitfalls marketing teams and brand owners stumble into:
- Skipping registration because “we’re not that big yet.”
(It only takes one competitor to make you wish you’d done it.) - Copyrighting the wrong file.
Make sure you’re submitting the final, polished version—not a draft. - Not listing the correct owner.
If your logo was designed by a freelancer, make sure you’ve signed a “work-for-hire” agreement or proper IP transfer. Otherwise, they own it.
At The End Of The Day
Your logo does a lot of heavy lifting for your brand.
So why not return the favor by protecting it?
While logos are automatically copyrighted, that only gets you so far. If you want full legal protection, registering it with the U.S. Copyright Office is a no-brainer.
It costs $55. That’s it. One-time fee. Lifetime value.
And if you’re looking for logo designs that are actually worth protecting—MOCK, the agency is your next call. We work directly with marketing directors and teams to deliver creative that hits hard and works fast.
Whether you’re starting from scratch or giving your brand a refresh, we’ll make sure your logo isn’t just good—it’s unforgettable.
Ready to Make a Logo Worth Copyrighting?
Let’s create something powerful—and protect it the right way.
- Website: https://mocktheagency.com/
- Phone: 470-225-6814
- Email: hello@mocktheagency.com
- Address: 247 14th St NW, Atlanta, GA 30318
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