Conducting Public Records Searches Using the Copyright Public Records System

On September 25 at 1:00 pm eastern time, the U.S. Copyright Office hosted a webinar: Conducting Public Records Searches Using the Copyright Public Records System. This was the third in a series focused on helping users understand how to search the Copyright Public Records System (CPRS). Prior webinars in this series provided walkthroughs of CPRS's simple and advanced search capabilities and can be viewed on our website:

This webinar built on the previous sessions and was geared for users already familiar with CPRS. It covered the latest features in CPRS, discussed search scenarios, answered frequently asked questions, and shared highlights from public survey feedback. There also was an opportunity for questions and answers.

In June 2025, the U.S. Copyright Office replaced its Online Public Catalog with CPRS, a significantly enhanced module with advanced search capabilities, filters, and improved interfaces for public users and Office staff. CPRS provides copyright registration and recordation data from 1978 to the present and searchable metadata for over 4 million registration applications from 1898 to 1945. CPRS is the second component of the Office's Enterprise Copyright System (ECS) to be made publicly available.

Speakers:

Denise Wofford, Assistant Register and Director, Office of Copyright Records, U.S. Copyright Office
Shawn Gallagher, Management and Program Analyst, Office of Copyright Records, U.S. Copyright Office

The Copyright Office aims to broaden public awareness of what the copyright system encompasses and how to participate. A cornerstone of our strategic plan is Copyright for All, and the Office dedicates itself to making the copyright system as understandable and accessible to as many members of the public as possible.

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