Copyright notice example with © symbol
Use this concise version when space is limited. Replace the bracketed text and make sure it accurately describes your situation.
© [Year] [Copyright Owner]. All rights reserved.
Full copyright notice template
This longer version provides additional context. Review every sentence before publishing and remove language that does not apply.
COPYRIGHT NOTICE © [Year] [Copyright Owner]. All rights reserved. Unless otherwise stated, the text, graphics, logos, images and other original content on [Website Name] are owned by [Copyright Owner] and are protected by applicable copyright laws. You may not reproduce, distribute, modify, publicly display or create derivative works from this content without prior written permission, except where permitted by law or by an expressly stated license. For permissions or copyright inquiries, contact [Contact Email].
Important: This general template is educational information, not legal advice. Requirements vary by jurisdiction, industry and platform. Have a qualified professional review high-risk or regulated uses.
When to use a copyright notice
- Website footers and legal pages
- Books, reports and downloadable files
- Photography portfolios
- Software documentation and digital products
How to use the copyright notice generator
- Use the © symbol or the word Copyright.
- Add the year of first publication; a range may be appropriate for an evolving site.
- Identify the actual copyright owner.
- State a license separately if reuse is permitted.
The copyright notice generator on the home page asks for the owner name, first publication year and whether you want a year range, then produces the short and full versions shown above so you can paste them into a footer, colophon or file header.
Copyright statement examples by work type
- Website footer: “© 2019–2026 Example Studio. All rights reserved.”
- Book copyright page: “Copyright © 2026 by Jane Author. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced without written permission from the publisher.”
- Photography: “© 2026 Sam Photographer. Images may not be copied, downloaded or reproduced without permission.”
- Software or documentation: “Copyright © 2026 Example Inc. Licensed under the MIT License; see LICENSE for details.”
A notice has not been required for protection in the United States since 1989, but it still identifies the owner and removes an “innocent infringement” defense. The U.S. Copyright Office explains the recommended form in Circular 3, Copyright Notice.
Copyright notice generator FAQ
Is a copyright notice legally required?
In many countries, protection arises automatically when an original work is created and fixed. A notice is still useful because it identifies the owner and communicates a claim of rights.
Should I use the current year?
For a new work, use its first publication year. For a site updated across years, a range may be appropriate, such as 2022–2026.
Can I put “all rights reserved” on every work?
Use it only when it accurately reflects the permissions you intend to grant. Openly licensed work should display its applicable license instead.
What is a generic copyright statement?
A generic copyright statement identifies the owner, year and rights claim, such as “Copyright © [Year] [Owner]. All rights reserved.” Customize it for the actual work and permissions.
Should I use a copyright notice or copyright disclaimer?
Use a copyright notice to identify ownership. Use a copyright disclaimer when explaining use of third-party material, fair use context or limitations.