Copyright Law Day is observed on January 1 and was created to honor the creative minds that America is so rich in. It’s hard to imagine life without copyright law—without it, disputes over creative ownership would be endless. While this may not be the most exciting holiday, it’s an important one: today is a chance to reflect on why copyright matters.
History
The first copyright law, the Statute of Queen Anne, was passed in Britain in 1710. It covered only books and provided 14 years of legal protection. In 1787, copyright protection was written into the US Constitution to promote the progress of science and the arts. This inspired more authors to create new works, generating both culture and profit. While originally applicable only within individual states, copyright law is now standardized internationally.
One of the biggest violations today is piracy. It spreads globally like a virus—copying works and distributing them for free online. According to 2014 statistics, the film industry loses more than $20 million annually to internet piracy. The exact number of people involved is hard to track, but authorities regularly conduct raids to combat illegal activity.
Interesting Facts
Did you know:
- Photos submitted to stock photo banks undergo strict checks to ensure they are high-quality and legitimate;
- One of the most unusual copyright cases involved a monkey taking its own photo—the image was ruled public domain because an animal took it;
- The song “Happy Birthday to You” is owned by Warner Music Group, which once earned more than $5,000 per day from it;
- “Uncopyrightable” is one of the longest words in the English language.
How to Take Part
The best way to celebrate Copyright Law Day is to thank the creators of a program, game, or app you use. Avoid pirated versions—purchase them at the listed price. The same applies to movies: go to the cinema instead of downloading new releases from the internet.
When is Copyright Law Day in 2026?
Copyright Law Day is observed on January 1 each year.
Observations
| Weekday | Month | Day | Year |
| Thursday | January | 1 | 2026 |
| Friday | January | 1 | 2027 |
| Saturday | January | 1 | 2028 |
| Monday | January | 1 | 2029 |
