Copyright Essentials: Myths Explained
There is a lot of misleading information out there about copyright. On September 18, 2024, the U.S. Copyright Office discussed what is and is not true when it comes to copyright. We want to make sure you have the facts and know where to go if you need more information.
In this webinar, the attendees learned about copyright basics and the Office’s functions and educational resources. The list of resources is available on our event page.
*Note: This was an updated version of our March Myths Explained webinar, back by popular demand.
Speakers:
- Jessica Chinnadurai, Attorney-Advisor, Office of Public Information and Education
- Laura Kaiser, Attorney-Advisor, Office of Public Information and Education
The Copyright Office aims to broaden public awareness of what the copyright system encompasses and how to participate. A cornerstone of our current strategic plan is Copyright for All, and the Office dedicates itself to making the copyright system as understandable and accessible to as many members of the public as possible.
Resource Center
The presenters will provide these related links in the chat during the webinar. The Copyright Office website is the authoritative source for copyright information.
What Small Business Owners Should Know About Copyright Handout. This resource focuses on concepts and considerations for small business owners, including types of works they likely create during their entrepreneurial endeavors that are protectable by copyright. It also provides additional information on key takeaways including licensing, the benefits of copyright registration, and works made for hire. (Video reference: 11:52)
Copyright Office Circulars. The Office publishes a set of circulars to provide up-to-date and authoritative information to a general audience. Circulars cover the basics and fundamental concepts of copyright law, highlights of Copyright Office policies and procedures, and registration issues for specific categories of works. The presentation will specifically feature Works Made for Hire (Circular 30) and Copyright Registration (Circular 2), along with circulars in Spanish. (Video reference: 15:54)
Learning Engine Video Series. The Learning Engine series of videos introduces copyright concepts and the Copyright Office to those who may be new to the topic or who want to learn more. More videos will be added in the future to this page and to our YouTube channel. (Video reference: 18:01)
Copyright Claims Board (CCB) Handbook. The CCB is a three-member tribunal housed in the Copyright Office with extensive expertise in copyright matters that provides a streamlined alternative to federal court to resolve copyright disputes involving claims up to $30,000. The Handbook provides an in-depth and authoritative resource for filing, responding to and opting out of claims, seeking assistance with your claim, and more. The presentation will specifically highlight Chapter 3a, Starting an Infringement Claim. (Video reference: 20:52)
Copyright Public Records. The Copyright Public Records System (CPRS) pilot is a powerful search engine for locating copyright records. It runs in parallel with the Copyright Public Catalog, which is the official record. On August 1, 2024, the Copyright Office held a public webinar, Level Up Your Copyright Public Records Search, that walked participants through different ways to search the CPRS pilot and explained additional research and support services the Office provides to the public. A recording of the webinar is available on our Events page. (Video reference: 24:16)
Engage Your Creativity. This collection of resources focuses on how you engage with copyright. It starts with an overview of copyright, including basics, registration, fees, and what is and is not protected. Separate webpages also highlight information different types of creators should know about copyright as well as a selection of resources and videos the Office created. The presentation will specifically highlight resources on the What Musicians Should Know About Copyright page, calling attention to the Sampling, Interpolations, Beat Stores and More: An Introduction for Musicians Using Preexisting Music handout. (Video reference: 29:00)
Copyright: Creativity at Work. The Office’s blog, Copyright: Creativity at Work, shares stories of authors, creative works, and copyright law and policy. The blog celebrates diverse creators through heritage month posts and the popular annual post “Lifecycle of Copyright: Works in the Public Domain.” (Video reference: 32.48)
Application Assistance: Walk Through Requests. The Office provides appointments with staff members to navigate an electronic registration application. During this thirty-minute appointment, a staff member will explain the application screens and the types of information required. (Video reference: 42:30)
The Resilience of Creativity: An Examination of the COVID-19 Impact on Copyright-Reliant Industries and Their Subsequent Recovery. The study examines the impact and subsequent recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic in terms of employment, revenues, and creative outputs in copyright-reliant industries. It uses data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census, and U.S. Copyright Office pertaining to eighteen industries that produce the types of works registered with the U.S. Copyright Office. (Video reference: 46:05)
Copyright Subscriptions. The Office offers email subscriptions for general information and for specific interests. Subscribe to “What’s New at the U.S. Copyright Office” to receive our NewsNet notifications. (Video reference: 48:49)
Speaker Requests. The Office welcomes invitations for staff and leadership to speak at your event. Submit your request with this form. (Video reference: 1:00:44)
Contact the Copyright Office. You can submit an online contact form anytime. During business hours, you also can call the Public Information Office at (202) 707-3000 or 1-877-476-0778 (toll-free). (Video reference: 1:00:51)