Copyright Office Issues Final Rule on Modernizing Recordation of Notices of Termination

The U.S. Copyright Office has issued a final rule that amends its regulations governing the recordation of notices of termination, effective March 29, 2021. The final rule adopts regulatory language set forth in the Office’s June 2020 notice of proposed rulemaking, with some modifications in response to public comments. The amendments are intended to improve efficiency in processing notices in conjunction with the development of the Office’s online electronic recordation system.

The notice announcing the final rule also addresses two subjects of inquiry upon which the Office previously requested public comment. These relate to the possible future development of a sample form, template, or similar guidance documents for termination notices, and practice updates to address filing errors made by third-party agents.

For more information, please visit the Office’s website.