Posted in other threads:
USA- Copyright
The full regulations there.

UK- Copyright UK
The regulations there.

I think more mis-information has been posted on this subject in Mudcat than any other.
Pennyblack's comments about the UK are essentially correct (Some changes coming, EU stuff). But read the UK regulations and follow them.

The Microsoft encarta is inaccurate and out of date re USA.
For protection in the USA, register the work and PAY the fee.!
(echo Songster Bob, above)