Copyright Act of 1831

The Copyright Act of 1831 was the first major revision to the U.S. Copyright Law. The bill is largely the result of lobbying efforts by American lexicographer Noah Webster.

The key changes in the Act included:

Extension of the original copyright term from 14 years to 28 years, with an option to renew the copyright for another 14 years

Addition of musical compositions to the list of statutorily protected works (though this protection only extended to reproductions of compositions in printed form; the public performance right was not recognized until later)

Changes in copyright formality requirements

Amendments

The law was amended a number of times for a wide variety of purposes.

In 1834, Congress allowed a copyright to be transferred to someone else, a record of which had to be made within 60 days.

In 1846, Congress established the requirement of depositing copies of the work at the Library of Congress and the Smithsonian, in addition to the copies already required to be deposited with the Secretary of State.

In 1855, Congress provided free postage for sending works to be deposited.

In 1856, copyright was expanded to the right to restrict public performance of a work.

In 1859, the requirement of depositing copies of the work at the Library of Congress and the Smithsonian was repealed.

In 1861, copyright cases were allowed to be heard by the United States Supreme Court, regardless of the amount of money at stake.

In 1865, Congress made photographs copyrightable.