What does copyright protect?
Copyright, a form of intellectual property law, protects original works of authorship including literary, dramatic, musical, and artistic works such as poetry, novels, movies, songs, computer software and architecture. Copyright does not protect facts, ideas, systems, or methods of operation, although it may protect the way these things are expressed. See Circular 1, section What Works Are Protected. • When is my work protected? Your work is under copyright protection the moment it is created and fixed in a tangible form so that it is perceptible either directly or with the aid of a machine or device. • What is your telephone number? The Public Information Office telephone number is (202) 707-3000. To order application forms, the number is (202) 707-9100. TTY is (202) 707-6737. • What is your mailing address? Our mailing address is Copyright Office, Library of Congress, 101 Independence Avenue, S.E.,Washington, D.C. 20559-6000. • What are your visiting address and hours of operation? T
Copyright protects original works of authorship including literary, dramatic, musical, and artistic works such as poetry, novels, movies, songs, computer software and architecture. It does not protect facts, ideas, systems, or methods of operation, although it may protect the way these things are expressed.
