What is Copyright?
Learn about the basics of copyright with our new online reference page.
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Onsite Services in our offices in Washington, DC, are available by appointment. To submit claims, request certified copies of certificates or copyright deposits, or request searches, visit our Public Information Office by making an appointment here. For visits to our Copyright Public Records Reading Room only, make an appointment here.
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
- Copyright Small Claims
Learn about the Copyright Claims Board
- 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
- Engage Your Creativity
Resources for creators
- Events
Upcoming Copyright Office public events
News
- U.S. Copyright Office Concludes Study on Deferred Registration Examination | August 1
- Copyright Office Expands Recordation System Access to the Public | August 1
- U.S. Copyright Office Releases New Resource for Registering Non-Photographic Databases | July 28
- U.S. Copyright Office Amends its Rules for Deposits of Single Issues of Serials | July 22
- Library of Congress Publishes Results of an Independent Audit of the Fiscal Year 2021 Fiduciary Financial Statements | July 5
- 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.