Intellectual Property FAQs

• Q: What Is Intellectual Property Law?
  A: Our legal system provides certain rights and protections for owners of property. The kind of property that results from the use of the mind in developing new ideas and … More
• Q: Can Intellectual Property Fall Into More Than One Of The Sub-Categories Of Trademark, Copyright, Patent, Or Trade Secret?
  A: Sometimes you can have overlapping protection. For example, a floral sketch might be protected under copyright law. If embossed onto tableware, patent law may also … More
• Q: I Have Heard It Said That Intellectual Property Law Protects The Expression Of Ideas, And Not The Ideas Themselves. Is That The Case?
  A: There are many legal texts that make this point. One might question the true accuracy of this statement; however, thinking in these terms can provide a helpful way to … More
• Q: What Is A Copyright?
  A: Copyright is a form of protection provided to the authors of original works of authorship including literary, dramatic, musical, artistic, and certain other … More
• Q: Why Should I Register My Work If Copyright Protection Is Automatic?
  A: Registration is recommended for a number of reasons. Many choose to register their works because they wish to have the facts of their copyright on the public record … More
• Q: How Do I Register My Copyright?
  A: To register a work, you need to submit a completed application form, a non­refundable filing fee of $30, and a non­returnable copy or copies of the work to be … More
• Q: What Is The Telephone Number For The U.S. Copyright Office?
  A: The Public Information Office telephone number is (202) 707­3000. To order application forms, the number is (202) 707­9100. TTY is (202) 707­6737.
• Q: What Is The Mailing Address For The U.S. Copyright Office?
  A: The mailing address is Copyright Office, Library of Congress, 101 Independence Avenue, S.E.,Washington, D.C. 20559­6000.
• Q: What Are The Visiting Address And Hours Of Operation For The U.S. Copyright Office?
  A: The Copyright Office is located at 101 Independence Avenue, S.E., Washington, D.C., in the James Madison Memorial Building, Room LM­401, of the Library of … More
• Q: Where Can I Get Application Forms?
  A: You may get forms from the U.S. Copyright Office in person, by mailing in a request, by calling our 24­hours­per­day forms hotline: (202) 707­9100, or … More