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 here and to our YouTube channel. Subscribe to the channel to be notified when new videos are available.
Copyright Office YouTube channelWhat is Copyright?
Learn about what copyright involves, including what types of works are subject to copyright protection.
Additional Resources
- Copyright Basics (Circular 1)
Copyright on the Internet
Learn what to do when you find information on the Internet you would like to use.
Additional Resources
- Obtaining Access to and Copies of Copyright Office Records and Deposits (Circular 6)
- How to Obtain Permission (Circular 16A)
- Limitations on Information and Services Provided by the Copyright Office (Circular 17)
Hey, That’s My Idea!
Copyright generally doesn’t cover ideas. Learn how this applies through examples of instances when ideas are not protected under the law.
Additional Resources
- Limitations on Information and Services (Circular 17)
Fair Use
In this video, find out what “fair use” is and how it applies when you are looking to use a copyright-protected
Additional Resources
Copyright Registration
While registration is not a requirement for copyright protection, it does provide several important benefits. Discover those benefits and learn what happens when your registration application reaches the Copyright Office.
Additional Resources
- Copyright Basics (Circular 1)
- Copyright Registration (Circular 2)
What is the Public Domain?
The public domain covers works not protected by copyright. Learn which works are in the public domain and how works become a part of it.
Additional Resources
- Copyright Basics (Circular 1)
- Obtaining Access to and Copies of Copyright Office Records and Deposits (Circular 6)
- Duration of Copyright (Circular 15A)
- Extension of Copyright Terms (Circular 15T)
- Limitations on Information and Services Provided by the Copyright Office (Circular 17)
Copyright Records
The U.S. Copyright Office maintains the largest index of copyright ownership in the world. In this video, see how the format and index method changed over the centuries and what you can find in our records!
Additional Resources
- Copyright Basics (Circular 1)
- Copyright Office Fees (Circular 4)
- Limitations on Information and Services (Circular 17)
- The Copyright Card Catalog and the Online Files of the Copyright Office (Circular 23)
Searching the Public Records
Are you looking for something in our collection of public records? This video provides tips on finding the records you want among the millions of records in our card catalog, Catalog of Copyright Entries, copyright record books, and recorded documents.
Additional Resources
- Copyright Basics (Circular 1)
- Copyright Office Fees (Circular 4)
- Limitations on Information and Services (Circular 17)
- How to Investigate the Copyright Status of a Work (Circular 22)
Debunking Common Copyright Myths
There are lot of misconceptions about copyright. We debunk five of the most common ones here.
Additional Resources
- Copyright Basics (Circular 1)
- Copyright Registration (Circular 2)
- Duration of Copyright (Circular 15A)
- How to Obtain Permission (Circular 16A)
- Limitations on Information and Services (Circular 17)
Recordation
Along with registration, the U.S. Copyright Office handles recordation. Find out more about the documents the Office records that are related to copyright ownership , including transfer of copyright ownership and other documents pertaining to copyright.
Additional Resources
- Recordation of Transfers and Other Documents (Circular 12)
- Calculating Fees for Recording Documents in the Copyright Office (Circular 12A)
What Can We Do For You
The U.S. Copyright Office provides many services to the public. In this video, discover what these services are. For more detailed information about specific services, please watch our videos on Registration, Recordation, and Copyright Records.
Additional Resources
- Copyright Basics (Circular 1)
- Copyright Registration (Circular 2)
- Copyright Office Fees (Circular 4)
- Recordation of Transfers and Other Documents (Circular 12)
- How to Investigate the Copyright Status of a Work (Circular 22)
Notice and Takedown
While online, you may have come across work that infringes on someone's rights under copyright law or seen material removed by a service provider. This video explains copyright law's notice-and-takedown system so you can understand your options if someone infringes your copyright-protected material or you receive a takedown notice.
Additional Resources
- Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA)
- Section 512 of Title 17
- Copyright Basics (Circular 1)
- Limitations on Information and Services (Circular 17)