What is Copyright?
Learn about the basics of copyright with our new online reference page.

The U.S. Copyright Office buildings are closed to the public until further notice. Assistance by phone and email, as well as online services, is still available. Read more.
Features

Register Your Works
Register your work or learn more about the registration process with the Copyright Office.
Learn More
Recordation
We accept certain types of documents for filing and indexing into our public records.
Learn More
Copyright Law
View current Copyright Law of the United States and related laws contained in Title 17 of the U.S.Code.
Learn More

Quick 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

News & Events
- Copyright Office Issues Final Rule on Modernizing Recordation of Notices of Termination | February 26
- Copyright Office Issues Final Rule to Create New Group Registration Option for Works on an Album of Music | February 23
- Copyright Office Issues Interim Rule to Allow Remote Examination of Application to Register Secure Tests | February 19
- U.S. Copyright Office Issues an Interim Rule Related to the Music Modernization Act | February 11
- Copyright Office Invites Requests to Testify in Section 1201 Rulemaking Hearings | February 8
- Older news
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.
