How Do I Use The Copyright Symbol?

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1. Intellectual Property
2. Copyrights

How Do I Use the Copyright Symbol?Learn how to use the copyright symbol on your works, such as websites, books, and photographs.

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CopyrightsStart Nowby

Lisa C. Johnson, Esq.

Lisa Johnson is a Massachusetts attorney, freelance writer, and food blogger. Born in Boston, she currently resides in Quincy, Massachusetts. She received a B.A. in psychology from Brandeis University and her law degree from Northeastern University School of Law.Anali's Next Amendment, is where she dishes up tasty servings of life, food, and current events. In 2009, Lisa participated in a panel discussion on intellectual property issues impacting food bloggers at the first BlogHer Food Conference. Lisa started writing freelance for LegalZoom in 2009. Visit Lisa's blog at: http://www.analisamendmentblog.com/Read more...

Contents

Updated on: December 8, 2025Read time: 5 minWhat is a copyright notice?How to use the copyright symbolCopyright symbol FAQs

If your business or hobby involves creative work like writing, taking pictures, creating art, music, video or even architecture, then copyright protection might be something that applies to you. If you are the copyright owner of a copyrighted work, then you may have wondered about using the copyright symbol.

What is a copyright notice?

The copyright symbol consists of the letter "C" in a circle such as "©." Copyright symbols are used on books, websites, most packaged goods, including foods and medicines, and more.

While the copyright symbol is often in very small print and tucked away on a corner, the use of a copyright symbol is specifically to get you to notice it.

The U.S. Copyright Office has a publication on Copyright Notice, Circular 3, giving background information about copyright law and how to provide proper copyright notice to the public. On works published before March 1, 1989, using the notice was required by law for protection. Generally, for works published on or after that date, using the symbol became optional and a published work can still have copyright protection without it.

However, Circular 3 explains how use of the symbol can be beneficial to the copyright owner.

“Use of the notice informs the public that a work is protected by copyright, identifies the copyright owner, and shows the year of first publication. Furthermore, in the event that a work is infringed, if the work carries a proper notice, the court will not give any weight to a defendant’s use of an innocent infringement defense—that is, to a claim that the defendant did not realize that the work was protected. An innocent infringement defense can result in a reduction in damages that the copyright owner would otherwise receive.”

How to use the copyright symbol

The Copyright Office provides suggestions for how to best use the symbol. There are differences when it comes to “visually perceptible copies” where the works can be seen or read, such as a book or sculpture, as opposed to “phonorecords” or sound recordings, which would be a CD, record, MP3 file, etc.

The notice for visually perceptible copies should generally contain three elements together, or in close proximity to each other.

1. The symbol © (letter C in a circle); the word “Copyright”; or the abbreviation “Copr.”
2. The year of first publication.
3. The name of the copyright owner.

The elements for sound recordings generally require the same three elements, except the symbol is ℗ (the letter P in a circle) instead.

While the rules may seem simple enough, it may still leave some wondering, “How do I use the copyright symbol?” Below are a few examples of how some major companies use the copyright symbol for their website copyright notice.

The style of notice can differ a bit between companies and individuals. And as mentioned before, the copyright symbol is generally not necessary. But the function of the symbol remains the same—to give notice that the identified work is protected by copyright.

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. 

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This article is for informational purposes. This content is not legal advice, it is the expression of the author and has not been evaluated by LegalZoom for accuracy or changes in the law.

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Copyright registration

Karen helped me immensely during my copyright registration. Very patient. Carrie was alos very good over there.

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So far whenever I have tried to work…

So far whenever I have tried to work with Legal Zoom it has been a great experience. Both Holly and Denise have helped to make my tour of the legal process for a copyright excellent and I now have my copyright in my hands. I might add that I am amazed I got it under the oligarchy at all after doge got done.

Connie Lednum193 days ago

Great Copyright Registration Experience

Walked me through the process to register my copyright. Made everything quick and easy!

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Your expertise and knowledge of my questions regarding my copyright I applied for was nothing less than stellar!

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