Copyright Symbol
Copy and paste the copyright symbol, along with related symbols, by clicking the copy icon.
| Symbol | Unicode | Name | Usage |
|---|---|---|---|
|
©
|
U+00A9 | Copyright Symbol | The official symbol to show that something is under copyright protection. |
|
Ⓒ
|
U+24B8 | Circled C | Sometimes used as an alternative to ©, but not an official symbol. |
|
ⓒ
|
U+24D2 | Circled Small c | A small c in a circle, also not official. |
|
🄯
|
U+1F12F | Copyleft | Indicates free to share and modify, but under the same license. |
|
®
|
U+00AE | Registered Trademark | Indicates that a brand name or logo is legally registered. |
|
™
|
U+2122 | Trademark | Used for brand names that are not registered yet. |
|
℠
|
U+2120 | Service Mark | Similar to ™ but used for services. |
The symbols ©, ®, and ™ also have emoji versions (©️, ®️, ™️).
Copy and Paste Codes
The shortcodes for the copyright icon (©) are provided below:
| Type | Code |
|---|---|
| Copyright Alt Code |
Alt + 0169
|
| Copyright HTML |
©
©
©
|
| LaTeX |
\copyright
|
| Markdown / Slack / Github |
:copyright:
|
| CSS |
\00A9
|
| JS, Json |
\u00A9
|
Copyright Symbol Keyboard Shortcuts
Below are ways you can type the copyright symbol directly using keyboard shortcuts on different platforms:
Copyright Symbol on Windows
To type the copyright symbol on Windows, hold the Alt key and type the numbers 0169 on your numeric keyboard to insert ©.
You can also insert it using the Character Map by searching for it in the Windows Start menu. Find the copyright mark from there, and copy it.
Copyright Symbol on Mac
To type the copyright symbol on a Mac, you can use the keyboard shortcut Option + G.
You can also insert it using the Character Viewer. Press Control + Command + Space to open the character menu, and search for copyright. You can now double-click the symbol to insert ©.
Other Platforms:
On iPhone
Type copyright and the © symbol will appear in the keyboard suggestions. You can also insert it from the emoji keyboard: swipe to the Symbols section and tap © to insert it.
On Android
Open your Android keyboard, tap the numbers button, then the symbols button (=<), and select the © symbol to insert it.
On Linux
Use the Compose → O → C keyboard shortcut on Linux.
In Microsoft Word
In MS Word, type (c) and it will automatically convert to ©, you can also insert it from Insert > Symbol > More Symbols, or using alt code 0169.
What is the Copyright Sign ©?
The copyright symbol is indicated by a letter 'C' inside a circle. It was first introduced in the United States in 1909 and has been in use for over a century now. It was created to provide a simple copyright notice instead of lengthy legal notices.
Now, the copyright symbol is internationally recognized and is widely used to indicate that a work has an owner and is protected by copyright law. It shows that the creator of the work has exclusive rights, and using or distributing it requires their permission.
Purpose of © Symbol
The symbol is used as a public notice. It tells people that the work is legally protected and the owner has full control to allow or prohibit its use. While it is not required to use the © symbol for copyright protection in most countries, it can make your legal claim stronger in case of any violation.
How copyright works
Under international agreements, as soon as you create a work, it is automatically protected by copyright, and you are considered its owner. This means you are not required to use the © symbol to protect your work. However, using it is considered the best practice as it serves as a clear notice to the public.
How to use the Copyright Symbol correctly?
While its use is optional, the correct use of the copyright symbol can be of great advantage. If you do not include a copyright symbol in your work, a person violating your copyright may claim the "Innocent Infringer Defense," meaning they did not know the work was protected by copyright.
A valid copyright notice should generally include the following three elements:
- The Copyright Sign: Use either the symbol ©, the word "Copyright", or the abbreviation "Copr."
- Year of First Publication: Write the year the work was first published.
- Name of the Copyright Owner: The name of the person who owns the copyright, or the name of the entity.
You may also include "All rights reserved" at the end. Its use is optional but emphasizes protection. Or you may add "No rights reserved," which means you are allowing the use of your work.
For example, valid copyright notices may look like these:
Copyright © 2025 XYZ Organization.
© 2018–2025 XYZ Organization. All rights reserved.
© 2025 XYZ Organization. No rights reserved.
You can create a valid notice for your website using our copyright generator tool.
Where to place a Copyright Notice
- Websites: If you own a website, the best place to add a copyright notice is in the footer, as your visitors expect it to be there.
- Marketing Emails: If you send marketing emails of your product to the customers, and want to establish copyright, include a copyright notice in the footer of each email.
- Printed Materials: Printable materials, such as books and documents, can display a copyright notice either on the front page or the last page.
- Downloadable Materials: You may include the notice in a document or in the footer of the user interface.
Best Practices
Follow these practices when including a copyright notice in your work:
- Include all three key elements in the notice.
- Ensure the notice is easily accessible and readable.
- Include the notice in all copies of your work.
- Make sure that the publication year and the name of the copyright owner are correct.
Download Copyright Icon
FAQ
How to type the copyright symbol?
To type the copyright symbol, hold the Alt key and press 0169 on Windows. On a Mac, use the Option + G keyboard shortcut.
Can I use the copyright symbol without registering?
Yes, you can use the copyright symbol without registering your work. Copyright is automatic the moment work is created.
Does the copyright symbol protect my work?
No, the copyright symbol does not protect your work. Your work is protected as soon as it is created. The symbol works as a public notice.
Is a copyright symbol required?
No, using the copyright symbol is not required. But using it makes your ownership clear and can help you legally in case of copyright violation.
Why is the copyright icon important?
The copyright sign is important because it is widely recognized as a symbol of copyright protection. It shows that the work has an owner, and permission is needed to use it.
What is the difference between Copyright, Trademark, and Registered symbols?
The copyright symbol (©) shows the copyright protection of creative work. The Trademark (™) symbol indicates that a brand name, or logo, is being claimed as a trademark, even without official registration. The Registered (®) symbol means that the trademark is registered with the government.
What are some examples of copyrighted material?
Examples of copyrighted materials include websites, books, software, articles, and other original creative works. You can place the copyright symbol on all of these to show protection.