What is Copyright?
Learn about the basics of copyright with our new online reference page.
eCO Information
The electronic Copyright System (eCO) is back online, and most applications and services are working normally. We are experiencing a few technical issues that we are working diligently to resolve.
Users who have not logged into their accounts within the last 90 days may experience account reactivation issues.
The Register’s declaration of a disruption to these services remains in effect, and she will be issuing instructions for affected applicants to request an adjustment of their effective date of registration.
The Office will email subscribers of Copyright eService Maintenance and Updates as soon as the remaining problems have been resolved, and will also continue to provide updates on copyright.gov. For additional questions or assistance, contact 202-707-3000. Please note that call volumes are currently high.
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.
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Register Your Works
Register your work or learn more about the registration process with the Copyright Office.
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Recordation
We accept certain types of documents for filing and indexing into our public records.
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Copyright Law
View current Copyright Law of the United States and related laws contained in Title 17 of the U.S.Code.
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Quick 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 for Small Claims Expedited Registration Procedures and FOIA Conforming Amendment | August 18
- Copyright Office Establishes Accommodation for Applicants Affected by Electronic Copyright System Outage | August 17
- 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
- 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.
