What is Copyright? Learn about the basics of copyright with our online reference page.

A copyright is a form of protection provided by U.S. law to the authors of "original works of authorship" fixed in any tangible medium of expression. Learn more about the basics of copyrights.

The most recent major overhaul of copyright in the US, the Copyright Act of 1976, extended federal copyright to works as soon as they are created and "fixed", without requiring publication or registration.

The Copyright Office administers the national copyright system and provides advice on copyright law to congress, federal agencies, the courts and the public.

The eCO system supports online copyright registration and deposit services provided by the U.S. Copyright Office.

While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, we do not guarantee the accuracy, completeness, reliability, or suitability of the information displayed on this site. The use of this site is …

May 5, 2026 · copyright, the exclusive, legally secured right to reproduce, distribute, and perform a literary, musical, dramatic, or artistic work.

Aug 24, 2025 · Learn about copyright, its legal significance, types, and how it protects intellectual property from unauthorized use for up to 70 years post-death.

Dec 6, 2025 · Copyright isn’t meant to create permanent monopolies—it’s designed to reward creators while ultimately enriching the public domain. Copyright also protects American creative works …

Copyright law grants the authors of original creative works a set of exclusive rights in their creations, including the right to prevent others from copying or selling the work without the copyright holder’s …