What is a poor mans copywright?

what is a poor mans copywright? A "poor man's copyright" is an informal method where someone attempts to establish proof of the date when they created a piece of work by mailing a copy of it to themselves via registered mail or another postal service that provides proof of mailing and receipt. Here's how it typically works:

Create the Work: The creator completes their work, whether it's a piece of writing, music, art, etc. Mail it to Yourself: They then seal it in an envelope and mail it to themselves without opening it upon receipt. Date Stamp: The idea is that the postal service's postmark on the envelope serves as a timestamp, proving when the work was in existence. Key Points to Understand: Not Legally Recognized: This method is not recognized as an official form of copyright protection in most legal systems, including the United States. The U.S. Copyright Office does not acknowledge this as a valid way to establish copyright. Limited Proof: While it might show you had the work on a certain date, it doesn't prove you created it, nor does it prevent others from independently creating similar work or using your work if they are unaware of your copyright. Actual Copyright: In countries like the United States, copyright is automatically bestowed upon the creation of original work that is fixed in a tangible form of expression. Registration with the copyright office provides further legal benefits like the ability to sue for statutory damages and attorney's fees. Alternatives: Instead of using the poor man's copyright, creators can: Register their work with the official copyright office. Keep dated drafts, emails, or other records of the creative process. Use online services that provide timestamped proof of existence. The poor man's copyright might give some peace of mind, but it's not a substitute for the legal protections provided by official copyright registration or the inherent copyright one gets upon creation of the work. If you're serious about protecting your intellectual property, consider the official routes for copyright protection.