Discover 5 Copyright Office Resources You May Not Know Existed

Did you know that the U.S. Copyright Office provides a wide range of resources to support creators, educators, and other copyright users, but some of the most valuable tools can fly under the radar? And of course, YOU … we authors.

Here are five lesser-known Office resources that can help you better understand, register, and manage your creative works.

1. Copyright Registration Toolkit 

This year, the Office released the Copyright Registration Toolkit, which offers a visual breakdown of copyright,?including essential information about copyright law, how to prepare for registration, what to expect during the process, and post-registration considerations.?The toolkit provides a comprehensive resource for creators making business decisions about their works as well as for advisors who help guide them in understanding their rights as intellectual property (IP) owners. 

Learn more about all areas of IP by visiting the IP Toolkits page. 

2. Application Walk ThroughIf you plan on being in Washington DC, the Copyright Office offers walk through appointments—a free service during which a representative guides you step-by-step through the electronic registration application over the phone. These thirty-minute sessions are available weekdays (excluding federal holidays) and must be scheduled in advance.

To make the most of your appointment, you’ll need to create an Electronic Copyright Office (eCO) account beforehand. We also recommend that you watch the Office’s brief tutorial videos and review key circulars for background information.
Learn more and book your session with our Walk Through Request Form.

3. Speaker Request Form: If you’re looking for a copyright expert to present at your next conference, you can use our Speaker Request Form to invite a representative from the Office to share their expertise in copyright matters with your group. The Office welcomes invitations to present on topics such as copyright basics, the Copyright Claims Board, and resources for entrepreneurs. Submit your request today! 

4. Find Yourself in Copyright Exhibit 

Located in the James Madison Memorial Building in Washington, DC, the Find Yourself in Copyright exhibit explores the evolution of U.S. copyright law and how the millions of copyright claims registered with the Office illustrate the deep and varied nature of original works. The exhibit features historic copyright claims, including one of the most famous sculptural works of art ever registered for copyright: the Statue of Liberty.

Schedule an in-person tour for your group or visit the exhibit online to learn about the story of copyright in the United States and the role of the Copyright Office.

5. Copyright for Kids When fixed in a tangible form, even a child’s creative work is protected by copyright and can be submitted to the Copyright Office for registration.?It’s never too early for kids to learn about the rights afforded to them under copyright law.  

Take a look at our Copyright for Kids resource, which includes educational worksheet activities such as mazes and word puzzles for our young creators and their parents and educators.

Whether you’re registering a work or delving into the history of copyright, the Office encourages you to explore how these offerings can support your creative journey. 

CTA for you … are your books, your work, registered with the Office? Start here: https://bit.ly/RegisterCopyright 

Dr. Judith Briles started writing notes to her classmates in first grade … and got into “disruptive trouble” from her teachers. She’s now the author of 48 books and counting, still being a disrupter. Her books have won over 55 book awards and been Amazon bestsellers. You can follow her professional side at www.TheBookShepherd.com where she works with writers to become published authors. Listen in to her weekly podcast: AuthorU: Your Guide to Book Publishing at https://bit.ly/AuthorUPodcast

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