Regulations to Address the Disruption of Copyright Office Electronic Systems

After soliciting comments in 2017, the U.S. Copyright Office adopted a final rule governing delays in the receipt of material caused by the disruption of postal or other transportation or communication services. The final rule specifically addresses the effect of a disruption or suspension of any Copyright Office electronic system on the Office’s receipt of applications, fees, deposits, or other materials, and the assignment of a constructive date of receipt to such materials. The final rule also makes various revisions to the existing portions of the rule for usability and readability. In addition, the final rule specifies how the Office will assign effective dates of receipt when a specific submission that is physically delivered or attempted to be physically delivered to the Office is lost in the absence of a declaration of disruption, as might occur during the security screening procedures used for mail that is delivered to the Office.