Answer: poor man’s copyright
What is a poor man’s copyright?Mailing a copy to yourself; it is not a substitute for registration
TimeBinder adds a layer of protection against AI and human fraud and disputes.
The file stays on your device. Your browser makes a digital fingerprint of the file. TimeBinder records the fingerprint and the time, not the file.
Short answer
A poor man’s copyright means mailing yourself a copy of your work. The US Copyright Office says the practice is not a substitute for registration. A postmark is weak evidence of a date, and a TimeBind, which dates an exact file, is also not registration or proof of ownership.
What it is, and what the law says
A “poor man’s copyright” is the idea of posting a copy of your work to yourself and leaving the envelope sealed, so the postmark gives a date. The US Copyright Office addresses it directly in its FAQ: sending a copy of your own work to yourself is sometimes called a “poor man’s copyright”, there is no provision in the copyright law for such protection, and it is not a substitute for registration.
The practical weaknesses are easy to see. A sealed envelope can be opened and resealed, the postmark shows when something was posted rather than what was inside, and there is no independent record of the contents. Copyright law varies by country, and in many countries copyright arises automatically when a work is created, but registration, where available, can matter for enforcement. Check the rules where you live, or ask a lawyer, because this page is general information, not legal advice. See also how much copyright registration costs.
What a dated fingerprint adds
Instead of an envelope, many creators now keep a dated record of the exact file. A TimeBind records a SHA-256 fingerprint of the file and a time, made in your browser with the file not uploaded, and anchored to Bitcoin. It shows that exact file existed no later than the recorded time and still matches.
It is not copyright registration, and it does not show ownership, authorship or that the work is original. It can be one piece of evidence of when you had the work, alongside drafts and other records. See the poor man’s copyright alternative comparison.
First Pooled TimeBind free, no card, then from US$5. An ASAP TimeBind is US$15.
Frequently asked questions
Is a poor man’s copyright legal protection?
The US Copyright Office says there is no provision in copyright law for it and that it is not a substitute for registration. Rules vary by country, so check where you live or ask a lawyer.
Does a postmark prove when I made my work?
A postmark shows when an envelope was posted, not what was inside it, and a sealed envelope can be opened and resealed. It is weak evidence.
Is a TimeBind the same as copyright registration?
No. A TimeBind is a dated, checkable record of an exact file. It is not registration and does not show ownership or authorship.
Do I need to register copyright?
That depends on your country and what you want to do, such as enforce your rights. Ask the relevant copyright office or a lawyer.
Sources
- US Copyright Office, General questions about copyright (“poor man’s copyright”).
- TimeBinder, Poor man’s copyright alternative.
Related guides and tools
- Poor man’s copyright alternativeAn honest comparison
- How much does copyright registration cost?Fees and what they buy
- Prove a design or drawing existed firstKeep dated originals
- Is Protect My Work legit?What to check before paying
- Glossary: proof of existenceWhat a dated record shows
- All answersShort answers to common file-proof questions
Record a fingerprint of the file you rely on
Add a layer of protection against AI and human fraud and disputes: a dated, checkable record of the exact file you hold.
- Open the app and sign in with email or Google.
- Add your files. They stay on your computer.
- Seal them and download your Proof of Time certificates.
First Pooled TimeBind free, no card, then from US$5. See pricing.
Related glossary entries: poor man’s copyright, copyright registration and copyright.