[ConservativeMind]

No one has to do anything to get a copyright.

[Col Frank Slade]

“Those assholes stole the wrong exam”.

[MercyFlush]

“No one has to do anything to get a copyright.”

Yes, but it’s easier to enforce if you do.

https://www.copyright.gov/registration/

[Glennb51]

Do I have to register with your office to be protected?
No. In general, registration is voluntary. Copyright exists from the moment the work is created. You will have to register, however, if you wish to bring a lawsuit for infringement of a U.S. work. See Circular 1, Copyright Basics, section “Copyright Registration.”