Government FAQ

What legal documents pertain especially to the U.S. government?

In dealing with most legal forms and contracts, there are often two parties involved: those parties who have come to an agreement of some sort. However, some legal forms are meant only for a relationship between you and the U.S. government. These legal documents include copyright applications – in which a copyright registration acquires government protection of intellectual property – and Freedom of Information Act requests.

Although there are a number of filings that many people will have to take with their own local and state governments for a number of reasons. Many people confuse this with filing federal documents, and subsequently don’t realize that (aside from taxes) they simply don’t often file federal forms. However, when you do file forms with the federal government, it’s usually because of a very important issue or situation.

What is a Copyright?

Copyright law simply refers to the protection offered by governments on intellectual property and original work. If you’ve ever seen something copyrighted, it’s because not only did someone produce some piece of original work, but they likely registered that work with the government. This can apply to a wide range of work – everything from a corporate logo to a film screenplay. When this work is registered, it received the full protections of the U.S. government and gives the owner of the copyright credence to sue anyone infringing on their copyrights.

Copyrights typically last as long as 70 years and possibly more depending on the type of copyright registered. After that point, the original work created will then enter the public domain where it can be used by anyone; for example, music created in the early 1800s in the United States is freely available for many people to use in their videos, film scores, etc.

What is a Freedom of Information Act Request?

The Freedom of Information Act, enacted in the U.S. in 1966, is a law that regulates the disclosure of information by the federal government. The law now allows a number of people, usually journalists, to file Freedom of Information Act Requests in order to gain access to some sort of government information that should be shared with the public in a transparent manner.

There are some limitations on the Freedom of Information Act, of course, because some government information is considered sensitive material.

Filing these requests allows for citizens of the U.S. to gain access to information that they might not have been allowed prior to the enacting of the law. Filing a Freedom of Information Act request is not a guarantee of good results, however, and should be carried out scrupulously in order to ensure that it is carried out effectively.

Are there any special issues in making major filings with the federal government?

Dealing with the federal government is often similar to dealing with your local state government – you simply have to know what fees apply, where to apply, and have to have an acceptable form to make your application or request. In the case of copyright registration, you’ll find that the process takes place so often that it has actually become quite formalized and fairly straight-forward, although it might still take a significant amount of time to register a copyright because each copyright is reviewed in order to ensure it does not infringe on a previously-registered copyright.

In the case of Freedom of Information Act Requests, these are also fairly straightforward, though they are typically limited to people working in the field of information – journalists and news editors, for example. However, anyone with U.S. citizenship is free to make this sort of request and should be willing to explore how it’s done. As for any “special” issues with the federal government, it will highly depend on what kind of form you’re filing.

What is the best way to ensure that my copyright application goes through quickly?

There are a few elements you’ll want to keep your eye on. First, you want to ensure that the form and application you’re using are all adequate according to the standards of the U.S. Copyright Office. Second, you’ll want to make sure that the copyright itself doesn’t infringe upon any previously-established copyright, as this can be one of the primary reasons copyrights are refused. Additionally, you have to include any requested fees along with the application.With all of these elements in place, you’ll likely receive as swift an application approval as you can get; otherwise, the rest of the details are out of your hands.

What is the best way to ensure that my Freedom of Information Act Request goes through smoothly?

As is the case with copyright applications, you’ll have to pay attention to a number of elements. First, you’ll have to know that the information you’re requesting is entitled to anyone making the request; sensitive material may not be something you can expect the government to release any time soon. Additionally, it’s important to know that the forms you’re using are up to date and that if you download a request kit that you follow the instructions for filing this request thoroughly. Doing so is especially important if this is the first time that you’ve filed such a request.

Are there different types of copyright applications I may need to use?

Generally, the Copyright Registration form is fairly straight-forward and easy to use. But there are “sub-forms” that you’ll want to use in order to make sure that you are matching the type of work you’re registering with the type of application you’re using. For example, the registration of a literary work often uses its own form, as does the registration of a work of visual art, such as a corporate logo. Be sure that you are using the appropriate application to meet the needs of your copyright and you’ll likely run into less trouble with the overall copyright approval process. Additionally, you can save yourself the worry of wondering whether or not the form you’re using is the right one.

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