The copy press process was invented by James Watt in 1780 and was used for the reproduction of drawn and textual documents from 1780 to approximately 1940. This method generally entails the offsetting of a medium from the original document to a thin, unsized tissue. Because the copy is a mirror of the original, the copy is unusually read from the back of the thin paper. Identification of the process includes examples of 18th, 19th, and 20th century copy press papers. Selected examples of iron gall-based copy ink formulations from England, France, Germany and the United States are highlighted and discussed. Unusual ink components, that may result in chemical instability, are the focus of the paper. In order to gain a fuller understanding of the paper system, a brief overview of copy paper impregnation is presented. In addition, an overview of various non-iron gall media, commonly employed in the copy process, are described - to include copy pencils, copy typewriter inks, copy printing inks. The introduction of various components to ink formulations may significantly alter research findings. It is also important to note that iron gall-based copy inks may react differently from simple iron gall inks during conservation treatment. If the copy press process is identified and possible ink component known, ink researchers and conservators may be alerted to possible complications.