Go to the copyright office on your computer. Download the application and send it in with $45.00 and a copy of your pattern. You must research your pattern first to make sure that someone else does not already have a copyright on it. I have 2 patterns in the office now that should be back this month. I submitted them last June. I have 2 more ready to go. Even though the directions say that it take about 3 months, it acutally takes anywhere from 8 - 10 months.