Intellectual Property FAQs

• Q: Can I Receive Copies Of My Application And My Work?
  A: Contact the Certifications and Documents Section of the Copyright Office (202) 707­6787.
• Q: How Can I Obtain Copies Of Someone Else's Work And/Or Registration Certificate?
  A: The Copyright Office will not honor a request for a copy of someone else`s work without written authorization from the owner or from his or her designated agent if … More
• Q: I Lost My Certificate: Can I Get A New One?
  A: Yes, the U.S. Copyright Office can produce additional certificates for a fee of $25. Contact the Certifications and Documents Section of the Copyright Office (202) … More
• Q: Does The U.S. Copyright Office Have A List Of Songs Or Movies In The Public Domain?
  A: No, the U.S. Copyright Office neither compiles nor maintains such a list. However, a search of the U.S. Copyright Office records may reveal whether a particular work … More
• Q: What Is Mandatory Deposit?
  A: Copies of all works under copyright protection that have been published in the United States are required to be deposited with the Copyright Office within three months … More
• Q: Do I Have To Register With The U.S. Copyright Office To Be Protected?
  A: No. In general, registration is voluntary. Copyright exists from the moment the work is created and fixed in a tangible medium. You will have to register, however, if … More
• Q: Are Copyrights Transferable?
  A: Yes. Like any other property, the owner may transfer all or part of the rights in a work to another.
• Q: Do You Have Any Forms For Transfer Of Copyrights?
  A: There are no forms provided by the Copyright Office to affect a copyright transfer. The Office does, however, keep records of transfers if they are submitted to us. If … More
• Q: Is My Copyright Good In Other Countries?
  A: The United States has copyright relations with more than 100 countries throughout the world, and as a result of these agreements, we honor each other`s citizens` … More
• Q: How Do I Get On The U.S. Copyright Office's Mailing List?
  A: The Copyright Office does not maintain a mailing list. The Copyright Office sends periodic e­mail messages via NewsNet (http://www.loc.gov/copyright/newsnet/), a … More
• Q: Can I Copyright The Name Of My Band?
  A: No. Copyright law does not protect names. Some names may be protected under trademark law. Contact the U.S. Patent & Trademark Office (http://www.uspto.gov/), (800) … More