What is Copyright?
Learn about the basics of copyright with our new online reference page.
eCO Information
The electronic Copyright System (eCO) is back online, and applications and services are working normally. The Register of Copyrights updated a declaration of a disruption that indicates an outage existed from 5 p.m. August 12, 2021, until 6 a.m. eastern time on August 29, 2021. The Declaration Page includes instructions for affected applicants to request an adjustment of their effective date of registration.
On-site public services at the U.S. Copyright Office are open by appointment only. To submit claims, request certified copies of certificates or copyright deposits, or conduct other in-person business, please make an appointment here. Note: Due to renovations, the Copyright Public Records Reading Room remains temporarily closed.
Features
Search Copyright Records
Search our online records, learn about our searching and retrieval services, and view educational videos and materials.
Learn MoreRegister Your Works
Register your work or learn more about the registration process with the Copyright Office.
Learn MoreRecordation
We accept certain types of documents for filing and indexing into our public records.
Learn MoreCopyright Law
View current Copyright Law of the United States and related laws contained in Title 17 of the U.S.Code.
Learn MoreQuick Links
- Coronavirus Updates
Operations updates during the COVID-19 pandemic
- U.S. Copyright Law
Title 17 of the U.S. Code
- Code of Federal Regulations
Title 37, Chapter II
- Compendium of U.S. Copyright Office Practices
Third Edition
- Copyright Modernization
Modernization efforts across the entire Office
- Music Modernization Act
Background and implementation steps
- Copyright Small Claims
Learn about the Copyright Claims Board
- Events
Upcoming Copyright Office public events
News
- Publishers Protections Roundtable | October 25
- Copyright Office Hosts Event on Food and Copyright | October 18
- Outdated Applications to be Removed from the Electronic Registration System | October 15
- Copyright Office Initiates Study on Ancillary Copyright Protections for Publishers and Requests Public Comments | October 12
- Copyright Office Announces Modernization Webinar on the Public Information Office Contact Center | October 8
- News archive
The Music Modernization Act
This featured video highlights The Orrin G. Hatch-Bob Goodlatte Music Modernization Act (Music Modernization Act) the most significant piece of copyright legislation in decades and updates our current laws to reflect modern consumer preferences and technological developments in the music marketplace.