Literary Works

Register a Literary Work

A literary work is a work that explains, describes, or narrates a particular subject, theme, or idea through the use of narrative, descriptive, or explanatory text, rather than dialog or dramatic action. Generally, literary works are intended to be read; they are not intended to be performed before an audience.

Statutory Definition

The Copyright Act defines “literary works” as “works, other than audiovisual works, expressed in words, numbers, or other verbal or numerical symbols or indicia, regardless of the nature of the material objects, such as books, periodicals, manuscripts, phonorecords, film, tapes, disks, or cards, in which they are embodied.” (17 U.S.C. § 101)

Works Commonly Registered In This Category

  • Abridgements
  • Advertisements (printed text)
  • Advertising / Marketing Materials (printed text)
  • Anthologies
  • Articles
  • Autobiography / Memoirs
  • Blogs
  • Board Games (text)
  • Book (Fiction / Non-Fiction)
  • Catalogs (textual aspects)
  • Cookbooks
  • Craft Books
  • Dictionaries
  • Dissertations
  • Directories
  • Educational Workbooks
  • Fiction
  • Genealogies
  • Historical Works
  • How-To Books
  • Instructions
  • Interviews
  • Magazines
  • Manuscripts
  • Medical & Legal Publications
  • Newsletters
  • Newspapers
  • Periodicals
  • Poems
  • Reference Works
  • Research Papers
  • Serials
  • Short Stories
  • Tests
  • Text Only
  • Text w/Artwork included
  • Textbooks
  • Translations
  • User Manuals

Resources

Video Tutorials

Other Services

Paper Applications
Group Options
Preregistration (Restrictions Apply – Not for Majority of Applicants)
Supplementary Registration