Below is the Alt code keyboard shortcut for inserting the copyright symbol or sign. If you are new to ALT codes and need detailed instructions on how to use them, please read How to Use ALT Codes to Enter Special Characters. The ALT code for the copyright (©) symbol on Windows systems is 0169. To enter the copyright symbol using the ALT code, hold down the ALT key and, while keeping it pressed, type 0169 using the numeric keypad. Then, release the ALT key, and the copyright symbol (©) should appear. On an Apple Mac US keyboard, press the Option key and the letter G button key simultaneously. Please note that ALT codes may not work in all applications or with all keyboard configurations, as it depends on the specific settings and character encoding. If these methods do not work, simply copy and paste the copyright symbol below.
Click the copyright symbol to copy:
©
| Symbol | © |
| Symbol Name | Copyright sign |
| Windows Alt Code | ALT 0169 |
| Windows Alt X Code | 00A9 ALT X |
| Mac Option Key Shortcut | Option + G |
| HTML Entity Named Character Reference | © © |
| HTML Entity Numeric Character Reference (Hexadecimal) | © |
| HTML Entity Numeric Character Reference (Decimal) | © |
| Unicode Code Point | U+00A9 |
Origin, Meaning and Usage of the Copyright Symbol ©
The copyright symbol (©) is a typographic symbol used to indicate copyright protection for an original creative work. It is commonly used to identify ownership of various types of creative works, including literary, artistic, musical, and other intellectual property.
The copyright symbol (©) consists of a letter “C” enclosed within a circle. It was first introduced in the 19th century by the British Copyright Act of 1842 to signify copyright protection. The symbol’s purpose is to provide notice to the public that the work is protected by copyright and that the rights to reproduce, distribute, display, or perform the work are reserved by the copyright holder.
The use of the copyright symbol is not mandatory in many countries due to international copyright agreements; however, it is still widely used for clarity and to deter potential infringement. In countries that are signatories to the Berne Convention for the Protection of Literary and Artistic Works, copyright protection is automatically granted to the creator upon the creation of an original work, regardless of whether the copyright symbol is used.
When using the copyright symbol, it is common practice to include the symbol (©), followed by the year of first publication, and the name of the copyright holder or the abbreviation “Copr.” For example: © 2023 John Doe or © 2023 XYZ Corporation.
The copyright symbol serves as a visual indicator to remind others of the copyright ownership and serves as a deterrent against unauthorized use or infringement of the copyrighted work. It is an important symbol in the field of intellectual property rights and signifies legal protection for creative endeavors.
The copyright symbol © is a part of the set of ALT Codes for Letter-like Symbols. For the the complete list of the ASCII based Windows ALT Codes, refer to Windows ALT Codes for Special Characters & Symbols.
