Copyright arises from the moment a work is created, with no requirement for registration, publication, or copyright notice. Registration is voluntary, serving as prima facie evidence of ownership and creation date. In practice, though, registration counts for considerably more than its formal status suggests.
In civil litigation, a registration certificate is prima facie proof of ownership and cuts the cost of proof sharply. Without one, you have to assemble records of how the work was made, drafts, and publication history instead.
In customs IP recordal, platform complaints and administrative complaints, proof of ownership is normally required, and a registration certificate is the form most readily accepted.
In assignments, licenses, pledges and M&A, registration makes the chain of title easy to show.
Register the works that matter — the ones you intend to commercialize, and the ones you expect to have to enforce.
