If you’re creating and selling on Teachers Pay Teachers, one of the most important steps you can take is protecting your hard work. Copyright isn’t just a little “©” symbol – it’s your legal claim to the resources you’ve poured time and energy into.
I’m going to walk you through how to add a copyright to your TPT resources, what it should include, when you might need to officially register your work, and how to save your files securely so they can’t easily be copied.
Before we begin, what exactly is copyright? Copyright is the legal protection that gives you ownership over the original resources you create – like activities and curriculum units. It means no one else can legally copy, sell, or claim your work as their own.
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How to Add a Copyright to Every TPT Resource You Sell
Every product you upload to TPT should clearly show your copyright. This isn’t optional – it’s part of running your business professionally!
Here’s the format recommended by the U.S. Copyright Office:
© Your First and Last Name, Year
Example: © Sarah Johnson, 2025
How to type the symbol quickly on your computer:
- On a Mac: type (C) or press Option + G
- On a PC: type (C) or press Ctrl + Alt + C
Tips for adding your copyright:
Adding your copyright to your TPT resources doesn’t have to be complicated! A few small details, such as where you place it, what name you use, and keeping the year updated, can make a big difference in protecting your work.
Here are some simple tips to get it right from the start:
- Put it on every page of your resource. It doesn’t need to be big – a small line at the bottom corner is fine.
- Use your legal name OR your registered LLC name if you have one. (If your TPT store name is different, talk to a lawyer before using that instead.)
- Update the year annually when you create new resources.
Should You Register Your Copyright for Your TPT Resources?
Here’s what most TPT sellers don’t realize:
Adding the “© Your Name” is enough to claim copyright, but if someone steals your work and you want to take legal action, you can only do that if your copyright is officially registered with the U.S. Copyright Office.
The good news? You don’t have to register every single worksheet. I sat down with my friend, Brittany Ratelle, and we discussed the legal essentials for digital business owners and she recommends registering larger products like:
- A full-year curriculum (ex: 9th Grade Geometry Curriculum)
- Big bundles (ex: your entire 3rd Grade Math Bundle)
This way, you’re protected where it matters most, without having to register hundreds of smaller products.
How to Further Protect Your TPT Resources: Save and Secure Your Files Before Uploading
Even with a copyright symbol, you still need to secure your files before uploading them to TPT. Why? Because fonts, clip art, and design elements you use often come with terms of use that require you to protect them.
Here are your options:
For PDFs:
- Flatpack – my #1 recommendation. For $65, it flattens and secures your PDF in one click. No guesswork. Perfect for both PC and Mac.
- Adobe Acrobat – great if you already pay for it. You can password-protect your PDFs, but it’s $20/month.
- PDF Element – a cheaper alternative, but not as TPT-specific.
For Google Sheets or Docs:
- Use the Protect Sheet feature. Lock all cells except the ones students will type in.
- Keep in mind: once buyers make a forced copy, protections are limited, but this is still the best step you can take.
Make sure to always check your clip art and font licenses. Some artists require flattening, while others only require securing.
4 Common Mistakes to Avoid When Copywriting Your TPT Resources
When it comes to copyright and protecting resources, here are mistakes I see new sellers make all the time:
- Assuming you never need to register. If you’ve created a big bundle or curriculum, go ahead and register it.
- Not adding a copyright at all. If your name and year aren’t on it, it’s easier for someone to take it.
- Only putting the copyright on the credits page. Add it to every single page – even if it’s tiny in the corner.
- Thinking “save as PDF” is enough. That saves it, but it doesn’t flatten or secure it. Use Flatpak or another tool.
Why Copyright Matters for Your TPT Business
Protecting your resources isn’t about being paranoid – it’s about valuing the time and creativity you’ve invested. When you:
- Add a copyright to every page,
- Register big products like bundles or curriculums, and
- Save and secure your files before uploading…
… you’re treating your store like a real business and setting yourself up for long-term success.
Understanding copyright is just one piece of running a profitable TPT store. If you’re ready to start making consistent sales and grow faster, I’d love for you to check out my free training!
You’ll learn exactly how to create resources that sell, set up your store the right way, and start building income that works on autopilot.
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