Catherine Zaller Rowland Named Associate Register of Copyrights and Director of Public Information and Education
Issue No. 713 - April 16, 2018
The Acting Register of Copyrights announced April 2, 2018, the appointment of Catherine Zaller Rowland to the position of Associate Register of Copyrights and director of public information and education (PIE).
In her new position, Rowland will oversee PIE as it provides authoritative information about the copyright law to the public and establishes educational programs. PIE publishes the copyright law and other provisions of Title 17; maintains a robust and accurate public website; creates and distributes a variety of circulars, information sheets, and newsletters, including NewsNet; responds to public inquiries regarding provisions of the law, explains registration policies, procedures, and other copyright-related topics upon request; plans and executes a variety of educational activities; and engages in outreach with various copyright community stakeholders.
Rowland joined the Office in 2010 as attorney-advisor for the Office of the General Counsel. From 2012 to 2015, she served as senior counsel for policy and international affairs. In February 2015, Rowland was appointed senior advisor to the United States Register of Copyrights. In that position, she assisted the Register on a full range of policy, legal, and governance issues relating to the United States Copyright Office and its agency responsibilities. Her duties have included a wide range of statutory and regulatory functions, including assisting with policy studies and rulemakings, representing the United States as a member of intergovernmental delegations at trade negotiations, and co-chairing public hearings.
Before joining the Office, she spent several years in private law practice in Washington, DC, where she represented a variety of companies in intellectual property matters. Rowland began her legal career as a law clerk for the Hon. N. Carlton Tilley Jr. of the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of North Carolina.
Rowland earned her JD from William and Mary Law School, where she was elected to the Order of the Coif. She earned her BA in political science from American University.
“Ms. Rowland's intellectual property expertise has been an asset to multiple departments within the Copyright Office during her seven year tenure here,” said Acting Register of Copyrights Karyn A. Temple. “Under her capable leadership, I know the Office of Public Information and Education will continue and expand its provision of high-quality outreach and educational services for the public.”