
The Compendium is intended for use primarily by Copyright Office staff members, but may also be used as a guide by creators, licensees, applicants, lawyers, academics, the public, and occasionally, by the courts. In contrast to the Copyright Act or Copyright Office regulations, the Compendium doesn’t have the force of law. However, sometimes a court may defer to the Compendium on an issue that is not specifically addressed by the Copyright Act or Copyright Office regulations.
The Compendium, which can be found below, is now in its third edition.
Introduction
Introduction
Chapter 100
U.S. Copyright Office and the Copyright Law: General Background
Chapter 300
Copyrightable Authorship: What Can Be Registered
Chapter 400
Who May File an Application
Chapter 900
Visual Art Works
Chapter 1000
Websites and Website Content
Chapter 1500
Deposits
Chapter 1700
Administrative Appeals
Chapter 2000
Foreign Works: Eligibility and GATT Registration