Re: NiMUD 5 Re-released Under AL/GPL
No they don't. They do not verify anything. They are just a record keeping organization. In the event of legal action, all the US Copyright office will do is present a legally valid submission date to the courts. They do not verify whether or not the submitter is the legitimate owner of the copyright. That is a matter for courts, and it would be exceptionally onerous and expensive for the US Copyright office to attempt such a thing. They sure as heck couldn't afford to do it for the $35 electronic filing fee.
Furthermore, it does not take up to a year to get listed.
"Ninety percent of online filers should receive a certificate of registration within six months of submission. One-third should receive a certificate within ten weeks of submission."
So 2-6 months approximately. I've filed tons of them, and I don't remember a single one taking more than 1-3 months.
Filing a copyright is one of the simplest and most straight forward processes in the entire realm of the federal government. It is not proof of anything beyond the fact that you sent them a copy of a copyrighted work you claim to own.
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