What is Copyright?
Learn about the basics of copyright with our new online reference page.
eCO Information
eCO is unavailable due to a technical upgrade which is taking longer than originally planned. We anticipate full restoration by Tuesday morning. We will continue to issue updated information.
Beginning July 8, on-site services at the U.S. Copyright Office will open to the public by appointment only. To submit claims, request certified copies of certificates or copyright deposits, or conduct other in-person business, please make an appointment here. Note: Due to renovations, the Copyright Public Records Reading Room remains temporarily closed.
Features
Search Copyright Records
Search our online records, learn about our searching and retrieval services, and view educational videos and materials.
Learn MoreRegister 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 Announces Modernization Webinar on the Historical Public Records Program | August 10
- U.S. Copyright Office and U.S. Patent and Trademark Office to Host October 26, 2021, Event on Machine Learning and Copyright | August 2
- Copyright Office Announces Open Application Period for Ringer Fellowships | July 30
- Copyright Office Closes Out 150th Celebrations with New Exhibit | July 29
- Copyright Office Issues Letter to Congress on Effects of the Satellite Television Community Protection and Promotion Act of 2019 on the Satellite Television Marketplace | July 21
- 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.