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

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.

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.

Aug 29, 2025 · Copyright is a form of intellectual property that protects original works of authorship fixed in a tangible medium of expression, including literary, dramatic, musical, and artistic works, as well …

Nov 6, 2025 · copyright, the exclusive, legally secured right to reproduce, distribute, and perform a literary, musical, dramatic, or artistic work.

This guide provides an overview of copyright law and examines issues such as fundamental principles of copyright law, copyright ownership, fair use, and other permitted uses.

Copyright is a form of legal protection that allows authors, photographers, composers, and other creators to control some reproduction and distribution of their work.

Mar 1, 1989 · Copyright is the exclusive legal right to reproduce, publish, sell, or distribute the matter and form of something.

Copyright (or author’s right) is a legal term used to describe the rights that creators have over their literary and artistic works. Works covered by copyright range from books, music, paintings, sculpture, …

Aug 29, 2025 · According to the World Intellectual Property Organization, WIPO (the leading international copyright organization) "copyright (or author’s right) is a legal term used to describe the …