A department of the US Library of Congress, a federal legislative agency. Its primary role is administering registrations of copyrights and mask works (semiconductor chip designs) under federal law, recording titles and licenses, administering statutory licenses, and setting regulations in these areas. The Register of Copyrights, who directs the Copyright Office, is the principal advisor to Congress on copyright matters. The Copyright Office website includes general information, practice guidance, and searchable databases concerning registered copyrights.

For further information, see Practice Note, Copyright: Overview.