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Copyright Act
Practical Law Glossary Item 7-501-4687 (Approx. 3 pages)
Glossary
Copyright Act
Also known as the Copyright Act of 1976 or the 1976 Act. The federal statute governing copyright protection in the US, codified in Title 17 of the US Code. Subject to limited exceptions, the Copyright Act preempts state law.
The Copyright Act sets out, among other things:
- Rights protected.
- Types of works protected.
- Duration of protection.
- Limitations on copyright protection, such as fair use.
- Federal causes of action and remedies for copyright infringement.
The US Copyright Office administers the Copyright Act, and provides comprehensive background information and procedural guidance on its website.
For more information about copyright law, see Practice Note, Copyright: Overview.