United States Copyright Office, Federal copyright agency in Washington DC, United States
The United States Copyright Office is a federal agency in Washington DC that serves as the registration authority for copyright claims and maintains records of intellectual property. The institution is part of the Library of Congress and handles applications from authors, musicians, artists and other creators.
Congress created the agency as a separate department within the Library of Congress to centralize national copyright registration. Over the decades it expanded its responsibilities and adapted to new media forms and digital technologies.
The office administers the legal framework protecting creative expression and makes its collections of registered works available for research. Visitors can learn about the rights granted to authors, composers and other creators.
The agency is located on Independence Avenue and is accessible through its website for registration inquiries. Those with legal questions about copyright can reach the information desk by phone.
The agency also administers royalty fees for certain types of work usage and distributes them to eligible creators. It houses a collection of historical registration documents dating back to the 19th century.
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