Frequently Asked Questions about Copyright

How do I get the latest information on how the pandemic has affected the Copyright Office operations?
What Copyright Office services are available while Library buildings are closed and most of the Office is teleworking?
I sent something by mail, courier, or delivery service to the U.S. Copyright Office since the national emergency started. Did you get it?
How do I know whether to submit an electronic or physical deposit copy when I’m trying to file an electronic application?
What if I am NOT REQUIRED to submit a physical deposit when I’m trying to file an electronic application?
What if I’m trying to file an electronic application and must submit a physical deposit?
Can I still file a paper application?
How do I request special handling?
What do I do if I am unable to submit an application or a required physical copy due to the pandemic and I need to register to preserve statutory damages?
How do I know whether I should use a Deposit Ticket Declaration Form or a 710 Declaration? How do I know what to submit?
When will the Office examine my claim if I filed an application...
I received an email from a Copyright Office examiner and it says I need to reply within 45 days. I can’t reply in that time, so how do I request an extension?
How do I know if the Copyright Office registered or refused my claim?
How do I file a request for reconsideration?
How do I request cancellation of a registration?

What is copyright?
What does copyright protect?
How is a copyright different from a patent or a trademark?
When is my work protected?
Do I have to register with your office to be protected?
Why should I register my work if copyright protection is automatic?
I’ve heard about a "poor man's copyright." What is it?
Is my copyright good in other countries?

What does copyright protect?
Can I copyright my website?
Can I copyright my domain name?
How do I protect my recipe?
Can I copyright the name of my band?
How do I copyright a name, title, slogan or logo?
How do I protect my idea?
Does my work have to be published to be protected?
Can I register a diary I found in my grandmother's attic?
How do I protect my sighting of Elvis?
Does copyright protect architecture?
Can I get a star named after me and claim copyright to it?

Can foreigners register their works in the United States?
Can a minor claim copyright?
Can I register a diary I found in my grandmother's attic?

How do I register my copyright?
Where can I get application forms?
Can I file online?
What is the registration fee?
Do you take credit cards?
Do I have to send in my work? Do I get it back?
Will my deposit be damaged by security measures in place on Capitol Hill?
May I register more than one work on the same application? Where do I list the titles?
Do I have to use my real name on the form? Can I use a stage name or a pen name?
Will my personal information be available to the public?
How long does the registration process take?
Can I submit my manuscript on a computer disk?
Can I submit a CD-ROM of my work?
Does my work have to be published to be protected?
How much do I have to change in my own work to make a new claim of copyright?
Do you have special mailing requirements?

What is group registration of unpublished works?
What does "GRUW" stand for?
How do I register two or more unpublished works with the same application?
Where can I learn about this group registration option?
In the past, I registered my work as an "unpublished collection". Can I still do this?
When does this change go into effect?
When was this change announced?
What has the Office done to notify the public about this change?
Do I need to submit my claim through the electronic registration system?
Can I use a paper application to register two or more unpublished works?
Where do I find information about the online registration system?
What if I need help completing the online application for a "Group of Unpublished Works"?
I've been using a paper application to registr my works as an "unpublished collection". Can I still use a paper form?
I've been using the "Standard" online application to register my works as an "unpublished collection". Can I still use the "Standard" application?
How can I tell the difference between the online application for a "Group of Unpublished Works" and the "Standard" online application?
Can I register more than ten unpublished works with the same application?
Can I register published and unpublished works with the same application?
Can I register multiple works with different authors?
What if someone else owns the copyright in the works?
I want to include the current owner's name in the registration record. How can I do that?
Do I need to provide a title for each work?
What if my works don't have titles?
Where do I enter the title for each work?
Should I enter all of the titles in the same space?
Can I provide a title for my "collection"?
Do I need to upload an electronic copy of my works?
Where do I find information about how to upload my works?
Do I need to submit my works in a particular format?
Can I submit all of my works in one electronic file?
Can I upload individual pages from each work?
I've been sending physical copies to the Copyright Office. Can I still do this?
My works were created in a physical format. Do I still need to upload an electronic copy of each work?
I registered a group of unpublished works. I found an error in my certificate. I also want to add some additional information to the certificate. Can I do this?
Where do I find the application for supplementary registration?
Where can I learn more about supplementary registration?

Can I see my copyright registration records?
Will my registration records help provide contact information for someone interested in using my work?
Can I remove information that I don't want publicized?
How can I prevent personal information from being placed on the Copyright Office's website?
Why is my copyright registration information now appearing on search engines such as Google?

What is preregistration? What works can be preregistered?
What classes of works are eligible for preregistration?
Is preregistration a substitute for registration?
Will I need to make a regular registration after my work is completed?
When should I register my work if I have already preregistered it?
How do I preregister?
What is the effective date of my preregistration?
How do I complete a preregistration application?
You ask for a description in the preregistration application. What should it include?
Will I receive a certificate for my preregistration?
What is the fee for preregistration?
What methods of payment are accepted for preregistration?
What does ACH (payment) mean?
Do I receive a password from the Copyright Office to log into the eCO website to preregister my work? Or do I create my own password?
What are the password requirements that I should follow when I create my password?
How do I change my password?
What do I do if I forgot my password?

Which form should I use?
I want to copyright my business name. Which form do I use?
Which form do I use to register a computer software application I am creating?
Is there a form to submit to change the address on my applications?

How can I know when my submission for registration is received by the Copyright Office?
How long does the registration process take, and when will I receive my certificate?
Does the Copyright Office provide my personal information?