@CopyrightOffice

Official account of the U.S. Copyright Office, part of the @LibraryCongress. Promoting creativity & free expression via U.S. copyright law: https://xitter.cf/t.co/hlpd68Mi3N

 Washington, D.C.
copyright.gov
Joined February 2011
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Did you know that a song is made up of two separate works for copyright purposes? One, the musical work, covers the music and lyrics; the other, the sound recording, covers a particular recorded performance. Learn more about what musicians should know: copyright.gov/engage/musicia…
Displayed on a tablet is the "What photographers should know about copyright" webpage. Also on the table is a notebook and pen, coffee cup, and a musical instrument.

ALT Displayed on a tablet is the "What photographers should know about copyright" webpage. Also on the table is a notebook and pen, coffee cup, and a musical instrument.

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The Copyright Office will be closed in observance of Columbus Day, but our online services are still available. We will reopen tomorrow, October 13, with regular business hours.
Photo of glass door featuring black and transparent Copyright Office seal; text reads: Closed for Columbus Day, Web Services Available

ALT Photo of glass door featuring black and transparent Copyright Office seal; text reads: Closed for Columbus Day, Web Services Available

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From fashion sketches and fabric patterns to jewelry and garment embellishments, fashion and copyright intersect in many ways. Learn what copyright may and may not protect: blogs.loc.gov/copyright/2026…
Graphic titled, "Copyright & Fashion" featuring tailoring tools, including scissors, a measuring tape, fabric, and sewing supplies, alongside photos of a fashion designer sketching garments and a clothing studio with a dress form, sewing machine, and garments on a rack.

ALT Graphic titled, "Copyright & Fashion" featuring tailoring tools, including scissors, a measuring tape, fabric, and sewing supplies, alongside photos of a fashion designer sketching garments and a clothing studio with a dress form, sewing machine, and garments on a rack.

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The Copyright Office published a notice of inquiry on music streaming fraud and requests public comments. Initial comments are due by November 23, 2026, and reply comments are due by December 21, 2026. Read more: copyright.gov/policy/music-s…
Four abstract wooden people with word balloons with three dots over each of their heads. Text reads, "We are seeking public comments."

ALT Four abstract wooden people with word balloons with three dots over each of their heads. Text reads, "We are seeking public comments."

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Movies, television programs, videos, animation, and video games may qualify as motion pictures or audiovisual works for copyright protection. Explore registration information and resources: copyright.gov/registration/m…
Tablet displays the U.S. Copyright Office Motion Pictures landing page. To the let is film equipment, pencils, a cup of tea, and white sheets of paper. Background is yellow.

ALT Tablet displays the U.S. Copyright Office Motion Pictures landing page. To the let is film equipment, pencils, a cup of tea, and white sheets of paper. Background is yellow.

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Who owns the copyright to a work created for a job or comissioned project? The answer may depend on whether it qualifies as a work made for hire. Explore the requirements: copyright.gov/circs/circ30.p…
Image of Circular 30 "Works Made for Hire" is on the right and on the left in the background is a laptop, a pair of glasses, notebooks, and swatches.

ALT Image of Circular 30 "Works Made for Hire" is on the right and on the left in the background is a laptop, a pair of glasses, notebooks, and swatches.

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Who owns the copyright to a work created for a job or comissioned project? The answer may depend on whether it qualifies as a work made for hire. Explore the requirements: copyright.gov/circs/circ30.p…
Image of Circular 30 "Works Made for Hire" is on the right and on the left in the background is a laptop, a pair of glasses, notebooks, and swatches.

ALT Image of Circular 30 "Works Made for Hire" is on the right and on the left in the background is a laptop, a pair of glasses, notebooks, and swatches.

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The eCO online registration system will be offline for technical maintenance on Saturday, October 3 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. eastern time and again the same day from 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. eastern time on Sunday, October 4. We apologize for the inconvenience.
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A copyright registration application includes three parts: a completed application, a filing fee, and a copy of the work known as the deposit. Start at the Registration Portal: copyright.gov/registration/?…
Laptop displays the Register Your Work: Registration Portal webpage. To the left of the laptop is a stack of books.

ALT Laptop displays the Register Your Work: Registration Portal webpage. To the left of the laptop is a stack of books.

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Did you know that the Copyright Office has a visual guide to the copyright registration process? Our Copyright Registration Toolkit covers copyright basics, preparing to register, the application process, and what comes next: Learn more. copyright.gov/intellectual-p…
A table displays the words "Copyright Registration Toolkit" with a graphic of an infographic. The tablet sits on top of two notebooks which sits on top of a wooden desk. Surrounding the notebooks and tablet is a coffee cup, and pencils.

ALT A table displays the words "Copyright Registration Toolkit" with a graphic of an infographic. The tablet sits on top of two notebooks which sits on top of a wooden desk. Surrounding the notebooks and tablet is a coffee cup, and pencils.

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The eCO online registration system will be offline Saturday, September 26 from 7:00 a.m. eastern time to 11:00 a.m. eastern time for technical maintenance. We apologize for the inconvenience.
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Copyright records offer a unique window into American culture, documenting everything from books and music to photographs, films, software, and visual art. Explore how creativity has evolved over time in Find Yourself in Copyright. copyright.gov/history/copyri…
Screenshot of the Find Yourself in Copyright landing page sits in front of the exhibit itself.

ALT Screenshot of the Find Yourself in Copyright landing page sits in front of the exhibit itself.

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Today on Constitution Day, explore how the Constitution laid the foundation for U.S. copyright law and how the nation's copyright system began with the first federal copyright law in 1790: copyright.gov/history/copyri…
We the People written in script.

ALT We the People written in script.

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Starting a business? Copyright may play an important role in protecting your original content, branding materials, and creative works. Explore our What Small Business Owners Should Know About Copyright resource to learn more: copyright.gov/engage/small-b…
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Registering your work does not have to be overwhelming. Our Copyright Registration Toolkit breaks the process into clear, easy-to-follow steps. copyright.gov/intellectual-p…
A table displays the words "Copyright Registration Toolkit" with a graphic of an infographic. The tablet sits on top of two notebooks which sits on top of a wooden desk. Surrounding the notebooks and tablet is a coffee cup, and pencils.

ALT A table displays the words "Copyright Registration Toolkit" with a graphic of an infographic. The tablet sits on top of two notebooks which sits on top of a wooden desk. Surrounding the notebooks and tablet is a coffee cup, and pencils.

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Whether your music is used on AM/FM radio, a streaming service, or in a podcast, copyright law affects how licenses are obtained, who gets paid, and how those royalties are distributed. Learn how you can get paid as a songwriter or performer: copyright.gov/music-moderniz…
On the left is a cell phone that displays music playing. Earphones are attached. To the right is the "How Songwriters, Composers, and Performers Get Paid."

ALT On the left is a cell phone that displays music playing. Earphones are attached. To the right is the "How Songwriters, Composers, and Performers Get Paid."

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The Copyright Office’s Public Information Office is here to help. You can ask a general question or schedule a walk-through appointment with staff for assistance in navigating an electronic registration application. Learn more: copyright.gov/help/?loclr=tw….
A man sits at a desk and a USCO staff member assists him.

ALT A man sits at a desk and a USCO staff member assists him.

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“Copyright Essentials: Myths Explained” clarifies some common myths about copyright and ensures you have the facts. The video covers copyright basics, the Office’s functions, and where to go if you need more information on protecting your creative works. copyright.gov/events/copyrig…
Desktop creative tools frame three notes representing two myths and one fact. Text on bottom left: Copyright Essentials: Myths Explained.

ALT Desktop creative tools frame three notes representing two myths and one fact. Text on bottom left: Copyright Essentials: Myths Explained.

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The Group Registration of Two-Dimensional Artwork (GR2D) option allows artists to register up to twenty published two-dimensional artworks with one filing fee. Learn more: copyright.gov/registration/g…
Hands rest on a desk and sketch a person in in a dress. Sitting on the desk are various art supplies. Text reads, "Group Registration of Two-Dimensional Artwork: Registration option now available"

ALT Hands rest on a desk and sketch a person in in a dress. Sitting on the desk are various art supplies. Text reads, "Group Registration of Two-Dimensional Artwork: Registration option now available"

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