Ex Parte Communications

The U.S. Copyright Office has issued a final rule regarding the use of ex parte communications in informal rulemakings. The final rule defines ex parte communications, instructs the public on how to request an ex parte meeting with the Office, sets forth responsibilities of parties after an ex parte meeting, and addresses impermissible ex parte communications.

In formulating the final rule, the Office referred to recommendations from the Administrative Conference of the United States, other federal agencies’ regulations pertaining to ex parte communications, and the Office’s previous guidance in other rulemakings.