Engage Your Creativity

When you write a story, create a work of art, compose or record music, or take a picture, you engage with copyright. Perhaps you’re fueled to create by reading, observing, or listening to other artists’ works, or maybe you are starting an entirely new conversation. Ready to learn more about how this automatic right affects your work and what it covers? Or how you can use the copyright-protected materials of others? We’ve pulled together a variety of resources to help you engage YOUR creativity.

What is Copyright?

Learn about what copyright does—and does not—cover in our Circulars. These guides provide detailed, up-to-date information to explain copyright to the public. Below are just a few of our most popular ones. You can search our library of Circulars by topic and be sure to check out our FAQ page for quick answers to commonly asked questions.

Protection eligibility, rights owners, claiming copyrights, and duration. Spanish version of Circular 1 available.

Guidelines for how to submit a complete copyright claim and when registration takes effect. Spanish version of Circular 2 available.

The Office’s fee schedule, services, and payment. Spanish version of Circular 4 available.

Works Not Protected by Copyright

What doesn’t qualify: ideas; methods; names, titles, and short phrases; typeface; and more. Spanish version of Circular 33 available.

Types of Work

Learn about registering your copyright claims, including about some of our applications for a few common types of works. Want to learn more or ready to take the next step? Visit our registration portal to register your work.

What musicians should know about copyright.

What photographers should know about copyright.

What writers should know about copyright.

What visual artists should know about copyright.

Featured Videos

Want more information? Our Learning Engine video series explains copyright principles and frequently asked questions about topics.

What is Copyright?

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Learn about what copyright involves, including types of works subject to copyright protection.

Fair Use

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Learn what to do when you find information on the internet you would like to use. For more on fair use, see our index.

Public Domain

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Learn through examples of instances when ideas are not protected under the law.

Family Sparks Creativity

As part of Black History Month, with its 2021 theme of Black Family: Representation, Diversity, and Identity, the U.S. Copyright Office celebrated its families and their connections to copyright through a series of interviews with or about creative family members. These creative people described what inspires them, the role of family, why art is important today, and their connections to copyright and the Copyright Office.

Harriett V. Bennett

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Michael Carpenter

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Tracie Coleman

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Creativity Sparks Hope

As part of Hispanic Heritage Month, with its 2021 theme of Esperanza: A Celebration of Hispanic Heritage and Hope, the U.S. Copyright Office celebrated through a series of interviews with staff. These creative people explore how hope and heritage inform their creative works and their connections to copyright and the Copyright Office.

Maria Perez

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Jorge Rivera

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