[mihai_ionic]

There's no such thing as "registering a copyright."

[zokier]

There is. But it is bit archaic concept, and not mandatory for basic level of protection.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Copyright_registration

> Registration is still required in the US for some benefits, such as awards of statutory damages

[aestra]

http://www.copyright.gov/help/faq/faq-general.html

When is my work protected? Your work is under copyright protection the moment it is created and fixed in a tangible form that it is perceptible either directly or with the aid of a machine or device.

Do I have to register with your office to be protected? No. In general, registration is voluntary. Copyright exists from the moment the work is created. You will have to register, however, if you wish to bring a lawsuit for infringement of a U.S. work. See Circular 1, Copyright Basics, section “Copyright Registration.”

If I create a story it is automatically copyrighted (unless I specifically license it differently) however if I wanna sue, my copyright must be registered.