Why is registration of copyright important?

Registration of copyright is essential because it establishes the creator's ownership and rights over their artistic works. When a work is registered, the creator receives legal recognition that affirms their control over the work, allowing them to enforce their rights. This formal acknowledgment is crucial in cases of infringement, as it serves as evidence of ownership and can provide the creator with access to certain legal benefits, such as the ability to file a lawsuit and potentially receive statutory damages.

Additionally, while public access to artistic works is a vital component of the artistic landscape, copyright registration does not directly facilitate this. Rather, it establishes the legal framework that protects the creator's ability to control how and when their work is accessed and used. The notion that registration guarantees profitability of the work is misleading, as profitability depends on various market factors, not merely on ownership rights. Lastly, while copyright registration offers legal protections, it does not eliminate the need for such protections; creators still need to actively enforce their rights to safeguard against unauthorized use. Thus, the central significance of copyright registration lies in affirmatively establishing and protecting the creator's ownership and rights.