What is Copyright?
Learn about the basics of copyright with our new online reference page.
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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
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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 Open Application Period for Ringer Fellowship | August 30
- U.S. Copyright Office Adjusts Certain Compliance Dates in its Earlier Final Rule “Termination Rights, Royalty Distributions, Ownership Transfers, Disputes, and the Music Modernization Act.” | August 30
- U.S. Copyright Office Announces Updated Webinar on Copyright Essentials: Myths Explained | August 21
- Help the U.S. Copyright Office Get to South by Southwest (SXSW) 2025 | August 7
- Copyright Office Releases Part 1 of Artificial Intelligence Report, Recommends Federal Digital Replica Law | July 31
- 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.
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