Learn about the basics of copyright law, search copyright records and register your own creative works through Copyright.gov.
Copyright.gov administers the copyright laws in the United States of America and offers services and support to authors and users of creative works. The goal is to provide resources to help copyright owners understand the law and the registration process.
The Copyright.gov acts as a conduit for the Library of Congress, providing certain works of authorship, known as copyright deposits, to the Library for its collections. The Copyright Office also administers provisions of law related to statutory licensing, helping manage and distribute royalties as required by law.
Photos and videos by, or about, The U.S. Copyright Office.
Useful Links for Writers
- Learn about the US Copyright Law.
The United States copyright law is contained in chapters 1 through 8 and 10 through 12 of Title 17 of the United States Code. The Copyright Act of 1976, which provides the basic framework for the current copyright law.
- Register Your Work: Registration Portal
This is your starting point for all things related to the registration of copyrights. You can also learn more about the Types of Works that can be registered with the U.S. Copyright Office in this section.
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Search Copyright Records: Copyright Public Records Portal
Here, you can search copyright records held by the Copyright Office, learn about their searching and retrieval services, and view educational videos and materials.
- Licensing Fees
The Licensing Division in the Copyright Office administers the compulsory and statutory licenses in the Copyright Act (Title 17 of the United States Code), Copyright Office Licensing Division service fees are subject to change.
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