How to Prove You Own Your Artwork (Even Without Copyright Registration)

How to Prove You Own Your Artwork (Even Without Copyright Registration)

Introduction

So you’ve created a piece of digital art—and suddenly, you see it reposted online… with no credit to you.

The truth is: art theft happens every day, especially on social media. But if someone steals your work, how do you prove it’s yours?

In this post, we’ll show you how to prove you own your artwork—even without official copyright registration—and how CertifyRights can help you establish clear, timestamped ownership of your creations.

Isn’t Copyright Automatic?

Yes—under the Berne Convention, your artwork is automatically copyrighted as soon as it’s created in a tangible form (like a JPG or PNG file).

BUT…

• That doesn’t mean you can easily prove it in a dispute
• It doesn’t give you court advantages like statutory damages
• It doesn’t stop someone else from claiming your work is theirs

That’s why proving ownership matters—and CertifyRights makes it easy.

How to Prove You Own Your Art

1. Keep the Original Source Files

Always save your:

• PSD, Procreate, Illustrator, or other layered files
• Screenshots of your creative process
• High-resolution versions
• Metadata (file creation date, EXIF info, etc.)

These files show your unique process, which is difficult for a thief to fake.

2. Timestamp Your Art with CertifyRights

This is where CertifyRights shines.

When you upload your digital art to CertifyRights:

• It creates a cryptographic hash of your file
• It stores a tamper-proof timestamp of your creation
• It generates a digital certificate of ownership

If someone ever questions who made it first—you have third-party proof with time and content integrity.

You don’t need to go through government paperwork to get solid protection.

3. Include Your Signature or Watermark (Optional)

For extra public-facing proof:

• Add a subtle watermark
• Include a digital signature
• Use hidden layers or encrypted tags

These don't replace copyright—but they discourage theft and help you claim your work if it's misused.

4. Document the Creation Process

• Save your sketches, drafts, or videos of your workflow
• Keep email drafts or messages discussing the artwork
• Record a screen capture of you creating the piece

This creates a timeline that supports your authorship claim.

What Doesn’t Prove Ownership?

How CertifyRights Protects Artists

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use CertifyRights instead of registering my copyright?
CertifyRights helps you prove ownership, but it’s not a replacement for legal copyright registration if you want full court protection.

Will CertifyRights protect me if someone reposts my art?
Yes—it provides timestamped evidence that the artwork is yours. You can use this for DMCA takedowns, disputes, or legal action.

Do I need to be a professional artist?
No—any creator can use CertifyRights to protect and certify their work.

Can I certify art I posted years ago?
Yes, but timestamping it now won’t prove when it was first made—only that you had the file today. It’s always better to certify as soon as it’s created.

Final Thoughts

Ownership isn’t just about being the creator—it’s about being able to prove it.

Whether you're a professional or hobbyist, protecting your art matters. In a world where reposts and AI scraping are common, having verifiable proof of ownership puts you in control.

Certify Your Art Today (Free in Minutes)

Protect your creativity. Defend your work.
Get a timestamped certificate of originality with CertifyRights.com.

No paperwork. No waiting. Just real proof—on your side.