It's not just a misunderstanding of copyright itself, but also a misunderstanding of what copyright registration means. US copyrights have been automatic since

It's not just a misunderstanding of copyright itself, but also a misunderstanding of what copyright registration means. US copyrights have been automatic since 1978: https://www.copyright.gov/help/faq/faq-general.html#register https://www.copyright.gov/help/faq/faq-general.html#register. You get it the moment you write something down on paper, or otherwise "fix [it] in a tangible medium." He is probably talking about copyright registration, which is a requirement before suing someone in the US for infringement. It's just a rubber stamp.