No. In the US, at least, copyright law applies as soon as an author fixes the work in a tangible form of expression. Per the Copyright Office[1]: A work is fi

No. In the US, at least, copyright law applies as soon as an author fixes the work in a tangible form of expression. Per the Copyright Office[1]: A work is fixed when it is captured (either by or under the authority of an author) in a sufficiently permanent medium such that the work can be perceived, reproduced, or communicated for more than a short time. For example, a work is fixed when you write it down or record it. [1] https://www.copyright.gov/what-is-copyright/ https://www.copyright.gov/what-is-copyright/