Here's what you do in the future. Make a copy of your new opening. MAIL IT TO YOURSELF. When it arrives, DO NOT open it. That gives you "common law" protection while you're waiting for your application at the copyright office.
Can users on chess.com publish their own openings
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Well now I feel stupid, even if my creations aren’t good for high level players, I regret publishing my findings now knowing that they aren’t legally mine.