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Copyright Law Explained

Record Copyright Transfers & Other Files

Any transfer of copyright ownership (e.g., assignment of rights) or other document pertaining to a copyright, including copyright licenses, may be recorded with the U.S. Copyright Office. Upon submission of the appropriate form(s) and fee(s), the Register of Copyrights will record the document and return it with a Certificate of Recordation. There are several benefits to recording copyright transfers with the Office. Recording the documents with the Copyright Office gives people constructive notice of the facts stated in the recorded document. It also helps to determine priority in the case there are conflicting transfers.

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