How to Search Copyright Names

A copyright is "the exclusive legal right to reproduce, publish, sell, or distribute the matter and form of something (as a literary, musical, or artistic work)," as defined by Merriam Webster's dictionary. Copyrights are considered "intellectual property" and are registered through the United States Copyright Office. Copyrights are often registered along with trademarks and/or patents through the United States Patent and Trademark Office.

Instructions

1. Visit the United States Copyright Office website at Copyright.gov.

2. Click on the "Search Records" tab at the top right of the navigation menu bar.

3. Click on "Search the Catalog" under "Online Records" on the left side of the screen.

4. Read the "Search Hints" section below the "Basic Search" option.

5. Type a name into the search field or select another option to search by "Keyword," "Registration Number," "Document Number," or "Command Keyword." Repeat search as necessary.

References

• US Copyright Office: Copyright Catalog (1978 to Present)
• USPTO: Trademark Electronic Search System
• Merriam Webster: Copyright