The Copyright Symbol ©

Copy the © symbol in one click, discover keyboard shortcuts for every operating system, and learn the difference between ©, ™ and ®.

8 min read Updated: March 2026

Copy symbols in one click

Click a symbol to copy it to your clipboard.

Good to know

The © symbol is not required in the 181 countries of the Berne Convention. Copyright applies automatically upon creation.

Keyboard shortcuts by system

The shortcut for your system is pre-selected automatically.

Symbol	Shortcut	Copy
©	`Alt + 0169`
®	`Alt + 0174`
™	`Alt + 0153`

Symbol	Shortcut	Copy
©	`Option + G`
®	`Option + R`
™	`Option + 2`

Symbol	Shortcut	Copy
©	`Ctrl + Shift + U, 00A9, Enter`
®	`Ctrl + Shift + U, 00AE, Enter`
™	`Ctrl + Shift + U, 2122, Enter`

Symbol	Shortcut	Copy
©	`© or ©`
®	`® or ®`
™	`™ or ™`

Good to know

On mobile (iPhone, Android), hold the "0" key or look in special symbols. The easiest way is to copy the symbol from this page.

© vs ™ vs ® : understanding the differences

These three symbols are often confused. They protect very different things.

Criteria	© Copyright	™ Trademark	® Registered
Protects	Creative works (texts, images, music, code, videos)	A commercial name, logo or slogan (informal claim)	An officially registered name, logo or slogan
Formality	None, automatic protection	None, informal use	Mandatory registration (INPI, USPTO, EUIPO)
Duration	Author's life + 70 years (EU)	As long as the brand is in use	10 years, renewable indefinitely
Cost	Free	Free	Paid (190€ at INPI, $250 at USPTO)
Example	A novel, a photograph, a software	A startup name not yet registered	Nike®, Apple®, Google®

Key takeaway

The © symbol covers creative works. The ™ and ® symbols cover commercial brands. These are two distinct branches of intellectual property.

Myths and facts about the © symbol

True or False ?

You must display the © symbol for your work to be protected

The reality

False. In the 181 countries that signed the Berne Convention, copyright is automatic upon creation. The © symbol is informational, it does not create rights.

True or False ?

If an image online has no ©, it is free to use

The reality

False. The absence of the symbol does not mean absence of rights. Any original photo, illustration or creation is protected, with or without the © notice.

True or False ?

The ™ symbol and the © symbol protect the same thing

The reality

False. © protects creative works (texts, music, code). ™ protects commercial names and logos. These are two completely different legal regimes.

True or False ?

Mailing your work to yourself with a © replaces an official deposit

The reality

False. The "poor man's copyright" (registered mail to yourself) has no recognized evidentiary value in court. Only a deposit with certified timestamping constitutes enforceable proof.

Frequently asked questions about the © symbol

No. The Berne Convention guarantees automatic protection in 181 countries, without formalities. The © remains useful to inform and deter copiers.

On iPhone, hold the "0" key on the numeric keyboard or search in symbols. On Android, tap "?123" then the special symbols key. The easiest way is to copy the © from this page.

Author's rights (continental system) also protect moral rights. Copyright (Anglo-Saxon system) focuses on economic exploitation. In practice, the Berne Convention harmonizes both systems.

The symbol is recognized worldwide. Copyright itself is protected in the 181 signatory countries of the Berne Convention, with or without the © symbol.

The © symbol alone is not proof. To have enforceable proof of prior existence, deposit your work on Copyright01 and get a certificate with SHA-256 fingerprint and certified timestamp.