Copyright Office Requests Public Comment on Mandatory Deposit of Online-Only Books and Sound Recordings
Issue No. 627 - May 17, 2016
The U.S. Copyright Office today published a Notice of Inquiry (“NOI”), seeking public comment on potential changes to the mandatory deposit regulations for electronic works not available in a physical format (referred to as “online-only works”). An interim rule adopted in 2010 creates a limited exception to the Register’s longstanding regulatory exemption that online-only works are not subject to mandatory deposit requirements, and also establishes best edition criteria and regulations as to electronic serials. The Library of Congress is now interested in expanding the 2010 interim rule to apply to online-only books and sound recordings. The NOI asks for feedback from affected communities regarding their experience with the interim rule, as well as comments pertaining to the potential application of mandatory deposit to online-only books and sound recordings.
The Notice of Inquiry, and instructions on how to submit a comment, are available here. Written comments must be received no later than July 18, 2016 at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time.