“Poor man’s copyright” means posting a copy of your work to yourself and keeping the sealed, postmarked envelope as proof of when it existed. It is a popular idea, but it is weaker evidence than most people think, and it does not suit digital work.
What the authorities say
The US Copyright Office states that there is no provision in copyright law for any such type of protection and that it is not a substitute for registration (US Copyright Office FAQ). In Australia there is no registration system at all: copyright arises automatically, so what matters in a dispute is evidence of when your work existed.
Where the envelope falls short
- Envelopes can be opened and resealed, or posted unsealed and filled later
- A postmark shows when something was posted, not what was inside
- It does not work for audio, video, code or large digital files
- If the envelope is opened, even by a court, it cannot be re-used
| Poor man’s copyright | TimeBinder | |
|---|---|---|
| Evidence of timing | Postmark date | Bitcoin block time, publicly recorded |
| Tied to the exact content? | No | Yes: any change to the file changes its fingerprint |
| Digital files | Printouts or discs only | Any file type and size, up to 10 per TimeBind |
| Checking it | Open the envelope in front of witnesses | Re-check the file in a browser, as many times as you like |
| Cost | Postage | Free plan: 1 Pooled TimeBind a month |
Writing a song or a manuscript? See our pages for songwriters and musicians and writers and authors.
What a TimeBind proves, and what it does not. A TimeBind proves that your file existed no later than the time it was recorded on the Bitcoin blockchain, and that it has not changed since. It does not prove who created the file, that its contents are true, or that a court will admit it. It is independent evidence of timing to use alongside your other records, and it is not legal advice.
Frequently asked questions
Is poor man’s copyright legally valid?
It is not a legal mechanism. The US Copyright Office says there is no provision in copyright law for it and that it is not a substitute for registration. A postmark may still be evidence that something was posted on a date.
Does Australia have copyright registration?
No. In Australia copyright arises automatically when an original work is created in material form, so evidence of when it existed is what matters in a dispute.
Why is a TimeBind stronger than a sealed envelope?
The record is public and cannot be altered, it is tied to the exact bytes of your file, and anyone you authorise can check it without opening anything. An envelope can be steamed open and resealed, and only shows that something was posted.
Start free: your first Pooled TimeBind each month costs nothing.