1204.5 (C) Benefits of Registration
In addition to providing the protection discussed below in Section 1207, registration of a claim in a mask work provides the following benefits:
• A certificate of registration for a mask work issued by the U.S. Copyright Office constitutes prima facie evidence of the facts stated in the certificate and that the applicant has met the requirements for protection.
• After a certificate of registration has been issued by the Office, the owner of the mask work or the exclusive licensee of all rights in the mask work may institute a civil action for infringement provided the infringement occurred after the commencement of the term of protection.
17 U.S.C. §§ 908 (F), 910.