What is Copyright? Learn about the basics of copyright with our online reference page.

This is your starting point for all things related to the registration of copyrights. Choose a category below to find out more about the different works typically registered with the U.S. Copyright Office.

The most recent major overhaul of copyright in the US, the Copyright Act of 1976, extended federal copyright to works as soon as they are created and "fixed", without requiring publication or registration.

A copyright is a federally granted property right that protects rights holders from certain unauthorized uses of their original works of authorship. The subject matter eligible for protection is set forth in the …

The U.S. Copyright Office provides an online platform for registering and depositing copyright materials.

If you do not provide the information requested, registration may be refused or delayed, and you may not be entitled to certain relief, remedies, and benefits under the copyright law.

May 24, 2026 · Copyright is a form of federal law that gives creators exclusive control over their original works once those works are written down, recorded, or otherwise captured in a fixed format.

The United States Copyright Office, which is in the Library of Congress, handles copyright registration, recording of copyright transfers, and other administrative aspects of copyright law.

Jun 2, 2026 · Copyright is a type of intellectual property that gives creators automatic legal ownership over their original works the moment those works are written down, recorded, or otherwise saved in a …

Feb 3, 2025 · Trademark, patent, or copyright Trademarks, patents, and copyrights are different types of intellectual property. The USPTO grants patents and registers trademarks. The U.S. Copyright Office …