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How to Copyright Choreography

Since 1978, choreography has been copyrightable under federal copyright law in the United States. According to 1994-95 Entertainment, Publishing and the Arts Handbook, choreography refers to any work that centrally involves the design of human movement. However, there has only been one copyright infringement case dealing with choreography, so there are still many open-ended questions concerning the copyrighting of choreography. If a work of choreography is original, and if it has been recorded, it is most likely eligible for copyright.

Instructions

    • 1

      Make sure that the work is original. If the choreography copies or paraphrases any other known choreography, it is not eligible for copyright.

    • 2

      Record your choreography. To be eligible for copyright, a choreography sequence must be written down, videotaped or recorded using computer technology, according to the New York State Bar Association.

    • 3

      File a copyright registration application through the U.S. Copyright Office using the "Form PA," which is for performing arts and choreographic works. Fill out the paperwork online or mail it directly to the copyright office.

    • 4

      Pay the filing fee. This fee is $35 if you register your choreography online; it is $65 if you mail your registration.

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Dance Other

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