A published work is immediately protected under copyright law and does not require any filings or payment of fees. There are specific benefits to actually filing with the copyright office however, as an infrigement suit can not be filed if the copyright has not been actually recorded.

Copyright protection lasts for the life of the author PLUS 70 years. The "C" in circle symbol does not need to be placed on the work such as a sound recording or photo.

The fair use provision covers such instances as teaching, research, comments and news reporting.

Just a few added comments.