The Plot Thickens: Copyright Essentials for Writers
The Plot Thickens: Copyright Essentials for Writers
Wednesday, August 6, 2025 at 1:00 p.m. eastern time.
Register to attend
Search the Copyright Public Records System
Search the Copyright Public Records System
The Copyright Public Records System (CPRS) provides copyright registration and recordation data with advanced search capabilities, filters, and improved interfaces.
Start your search here
Intellectual Property Toolkits
Intellectual Property Toolkits
Our new toolkit can help you navigate the copyright registration system.
El derecho de autor en español
El derecho de autor en español
Recursos en español para creadores y usuarios de obras protegidas por el derecho de autor. Involucre su creatividad aquí.
The Copyright Claims Board (CCB)
The Copyright Claims Board (CCB)
The CCB is available to resolve copyright disputes of up to $30,000 as an efficient, less expensive alternative to federal court.
United States Copyright Office Strategic Plan
2022–2026
United States Copyright Office Strategic Plan
2022–2026
Fostering Creativity and Enriching Culture
What is Copyright?
Learn about the basics of copyright with our new online reference page.
Onsite Service
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. Copyright Office Reading Room services are available in the James Madison Memorial Building, room LM-463.
Features
Search Copyright Records
Search our online records, learn about our searching and retrieval services, and view educational videos and materials.
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Register Your Works
Register your work or learn more about the registration process with the Copyright Office.
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Recordation
Record transfers of copyright ownership and other documents pertaining to copyright for indexing into our public records.
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Copyright Law
View current Copyright Law of the United States and related laws contained in Title 17 of the U.S.Code.
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Quick Links
- Copyright and Artificial Intelligence
Learn about copyright and artificial intelligence
- Copyright Small Claims
Learn about the Copyright Claims Board
- Economic Research
Learn about economic research on copyright
- 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
- Continuous Development
of IT Systems
Enhancing systems 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 Announces Webinar on Copyright Essentials for Writers | July 7
- U.S. Copyright Office Replaces Online Public Catalog with Copyright Public Records System | June 24
- U.S. Copyright Office Releases New Copyright Registration Toolkit | April 22
- U.S. Copyright Office Invites Public to Webinar on Effectively Using the Copyright Public Records System | April 9
- U.S. Copyright Office Publishes Final Rule to Require Pay.gov Use for Statutory Royalty Payments | March 31
- News archive
Intellectual Property Toolkits
Intellectual property (IP) protects creations of the mind, and copyright is one type of IP.
The Copyright Registration Toolkit is a visual breakdown of copyright, including essential information about copyright law, how to prepare for copyright registration, what to expect during the process, and post-registration considerations.
Download the U.S. Copyright Office’s toolkit along with toolkits on trademarks, patents, and trade secrets developed by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.
Learn more