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Copyright
What is Copyright?
A brief explanation of what copyright is and what issues are covered by copyright law.
General Information About Copyright
These sources provide an overview of the basic principles of copyright law. They are a good place to begin learning about copyright.
Registering a Copyright
Information on how to register a copyright with the Library of Congress and how to obtain the necessary forms.
Investigating the Copyright Status of a Work
Resources for determining whether a given work is currently protected by copyright.
Obtaining Permission to Use a Copyrighted Work
How to obtain permission to use copyrighted materials, either directly from the copyright owner or indirectly, by paying royalties to a licensing organization or publishing rights clearinghouse.
Fair Use
Information about making limited, legal use of copyrighted materials without the permission of the copyright holders, under the doctrine of fair use.
Copyright Law and Legislation
Historical, current, and pending laws governing copyright in the United States.
International and Foreign Copyright
Sources for researching treaties and other laws related to the copyright of works produced outside the United States, the copyright of U.S. works in other countries, and copyright agreements between countries.