What is Copyright?
Learn about the basics of copyright with our new online reference page.
The U.S. Copyright Office continues to provide registration, recordation, and information services. Our offices are closed to the public, though some Library of Congress facilities have limited public access. Read more about Copyright Office and Library operations.
Features
Register Your Works
Register your work or learn more about the registration process with the Copyright Office.
Learn MoreRecordation
We accept certain types of documents for filing and indexing into our public records.
Learn MoreCopyright Law
View current Copyright Law of the United States and related laws contained in Title 17 of the U.S.Code.
Learn MoreQuick Links
- Coronavirus Updates
Operations updates during the COVID-19 pandemic
- U.S. Copyright Law
Title 17 of the U.S. Code
- Code of Federal Regulations
Title 37, Chapter II
- Compendium of U.S. Copyright Office Practices
Third Edition
- Copyright Modernization
Modernization efforts across the entire Office
- Music Modernization Act
Background and implementation steps
- Copyright Small Claims
Learn about the Copyright Claims Board
- Events
Upcoming Copyright Office public events
News
- Copyright Office Issues Final Rule to Reflect Recent Reorganization | June 23
- Library of Congress Announces Copyright Public Modernization Committee | June 22
- U.S. Copyright Office, WIPO Host Roundtables on International Copyright Education | June 15
- Copyright Office Adjusts Timing Requirements for Certain Registration Applications and Pre-1972 Schedules Pursuant to CARES Act | June 10
- Copyright Office Announces Appointment of Joel Waldfogel as Kaminstein Scholar | June 7
- Library of Congress Publishes Results of an Independent Audit of the Fiscal Year 2020 Fiduciary Financial Statements | May 20
- News archive
The Music Modernization Act
This featured video highlights The Orrin G. Hatch-Bob Goodlatte Music Modernization Act (Music Modernization Act) the most significant piece of copyright legislation in decades and updates our current laws to reflect modern consumer preferences and technological developments in the music marketplace.