Quoted from Magic_Mike:This is false. Before it goes into public domain, you have to register it's copyright. You just can't slap a © on whatever.
If someone steals it, you will have to provide proof that it was yours.
I had to hire a copyright lawyer several years ago. I speak from experience.
I believe you're wrong. There is common law copyright and statutory copyright, I think. Common law copyright, I believe, attaches the moment a work of art is created. Statutory copyright, I believe, attaches when you register it.