U.S. Copyright Office Issues a Notice of Inquiry on Registration Modernization
Issue No. 731 - October 17, 2018
The U.S. Copyright Office has published a notice of inquiry requesting written comments on how to improve the regulations and practices related to the registration of copyright claims in the digital age. The Office’s registration services are vital to creators and users of creative works. Thus, the Office intends to replace the current electronic system (known as “eCO”) with a modern solution that aims to improve user experience, increase Office efficiency, and decrease processing times. To that end, the Office is considering several legal and policy changes to meet the demands of creators and users of creative works of all types. Specifically, the Office seeks input on three areas of reform: (1) the administration and substance of the application for registration, (2) the utility of the public record, and (3) the deposit requirements for registration. As always, the Office is interested in the perspectives and suggestions of copyright owners as well as users of creative works.
The notice of inquiry and instructions on how to submit a comment are available here. Written comments must be received no later than January 15, 2019, at 11:59 p.m. eastern time.