Learning Engine Video Series
The Learning Engine series of videos introduces copyright concepts and the Copyright Office to those who may be new to the topic or who want to learn more. More videos will be added in the future here and to our YouTube channel. Subscribe to the channel to be notified when new videos are available.
Copyright Office YouTube channelWhat is Copyright?
Learn about what copyright involves, including what types of works are subject to copyright protection.
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Circular 1 – Copyright BasicsCopyright on the Internet
Learn what to do when you find information on the Internet you would like to use.
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Circular 6 – Obtaining Access to and Copies of Copyright Office Records and DepositsCircular 16A – How to Obtain Permission
Circular 17 – Limitations on Information and Services
Hey, That’s My Idea!
Copyright generally doesn’t cover ideas. Learn how this applies through examples of instances when ideas are not protected under the law.
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Circular 17 – Limitations on Information and ServicesFair Use
In this video, find out what “fair use” is and how it applies when you are looking to use a copyright-protected
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Fair Use IndexRegistration
While registration is not a requirement for copyright protection, it does provide several important benefits. Discover those benefits and learn what happens when your registration application reaches the Copyright Office.
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Circular 1 – Copyright BasicsCircular 2 – Copyright Registration
Public Domain
The public domain covers works not protected by copyright. Learn which works are in the public domain and how works become a part of it.
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Circular 1 – Copyright BasicsCircular 6 – Obtaining Access to and Copies of Copyright Office Records and Deposits
Circular 15a – Duration of Copyright
Circular 15t – Extension of Copyright Terms
Circular 17 – Limitations on Information and Services Provided by the Copyright Office
Copyright Records
The U.S. Copyright Office maintains the largest index of copyright ownership in the world. In this video, see how the format and index method changed over the centuries and what you can find in our records!
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Circular 1 – Copyright BasicsCircular 4 – Copyright Office Fees
Circular 17 – Limitations on Information and Services Provided by the Copyright Office
Circular 23 – The Copyright Card Catalog and the Online Files of the Copyright Office
Searching the Public Records
Are you looking for something in our collection of public records? This video provides tips on finding the records you want among the millions of records in our card catalog, Catalog of Copyright Entries, copyright record books, and recorded documents.
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Circular 1 – Copyright BasicsCircular 4 – Copyright Office Fees
Circular 17 – Limitations on Information and Services Provided by the Copyright Office
Circular 22 – How to Investigate the Copyright Status of a Work
Copyright Myths
There are lot of misconceptions about copyright. We debunk five of the most common ones here.
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Circular 1 – Copyright BasicsCircular 2 – Copyright Registration
Circular 15a – Duration of Copyright
16A – How to Obtain Permission
Circular 17 – Limitations on Information and Services Provided by the Copyright Office
Recordation
Along with registration, the U.S. Copyright Office handles recordation. Find out more about the documents the Office records that are related to copyright ownership , including transfer of copyright ownership and other documents pertaining to copyright.
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Circular 12 – Recordations of Transfers and Other DocumentsCircular 12A – Calculating Fees for Recording Documents in the Copyright Office