Copyright Basics

Navigate the maze of U.S. copyright law with Copyright Basics by the Library of Congress Copyright Office, an authoritative, accessible guide to rights every creator should know. This practical non-fiction handbook explains what copyright protects, who may claim it, and the exclusive rights granted under Title 17 of the U.S. Code (including the 1976 Copyright Act), while placing rules like registration, notice, and mandatory deposit in historical and procedural context. You’ll find clear explanations of protectable works versus public-domain or unprotected material, the mechanics of securing copyright—publication, notice conventions for print and sound recordings, and registration procedures—plus guidance on duration, transfers, termination of transfers, and international considerations. The guide also outlines special topics such as corrections to registrations, searches of Copyright Office records, fees, and the practical steps to comply with U.S. requirements. Ideal for writers, musicians, filmmakers, librarians, educators, small publishers, and students, this audiobook demystifies legal terms and administrative processes so you can protect and manage creative work confidently. Listen to gain a reliable foundation in copyright law and the tools to make informed decisions about your intellectual property.