How Do I Use the Copyright Symbol?

Copyright symbol FAQs

Do I need to use the copyright symbol on my work?

You don't legally need to use the copyright symbol (©) on work created after March 1, 1989, but it's still a smart idea to include it. Your work gets copyright protection automatically when you create it and put it in a fixed form, like writing it down or saving it on your computer. However, using the symbol gives you extra legal benefits if someone copies your work because it prevents the person using it from claiming they didn't know your work was protected.

What information needs to be included with the copyright symbol?

A proper copyright notice has three parts that must appear together:

1. The © symbol (or you can write "Copyright" or "Copr." instead)
2. The year when your work was first published or shared publicly
3. The name of whoever owns the copyright, which might be you or your company. 

For example, "© 2025 Jane Smith" or "Copyright 2025 ABC Company." All three pieces should be placed where people can easily see them, like at the bottom of a webpage or on the title page of a book.

How do I type the copyright symbol on my computer or phone?

The easiest way depends on what device you're using. On Windows computers, hold down Ctrl + Alt + C to make the © symbol appear. On Mac computers, press Option + G. On phones and tablets, you can usually find it by holding down the letter "c" on your keyboard, or you can copy and paste it from somewhere else. 

Can I use the copyright symbol on my social media posts?

Yes, you can absolutely use the copyright symbol on your social media posts, and it's a good way to prevent others from stealing and reposting your work without permission. Keep in mind that when you post on social media, you're giving the platform permission to display your content, but you still own it and can control how others use it.

What's the difference between the copyright symbol and trademark symbols?

The copyright symbol (©) protects creative works like writing, art, music, and videos, while trademark symbols protect business names, logos, and slogans. Trademarks use either ™ for unregistered marks or ® for officially registered ones. Copyright lasts for your lifetime plus 70 years, while trademarks can last forever, as long as you keep using them in business.

What happens if someone copies my work even though I used the copyright symbol?

Using the copyright symbol strengthens your legal position because it prevents the person copying your work from claiming they didn't know it was protected. Because they won’t be able to use "innocent infringement" as a defense in court, you can receive higher damages if you win a lawsuit. However, to get the strongest legal protection and the ability to collect statutory damages (set amounts of money), you should also register your work with the U.S. Copyright Office. 

Do I need to use a different symbol for music recordings?

Yes, sound recordings use a different symbol, called the phonogram symbol (℗), which looks like the letter P inside a circle. This symbol specifically protects the actual recording of music, while the regular copyright symbol (©) protects the written music and lyrics. If you're releasing a song, you might use both symbols.