Librarian of Congress Extends Existing Classes of Works Exempt from Prohibition on Circumvention
Issue No. 380 - October 29, 2009


The Librarian of Congress is extending, on an interim basis, the existing classes of works with respect to which the prohibition against circumvention of technological measures that control access to copyrighted works shall not apply when persons engage in noninfringing uses. The Register of Copyrights is conducting the fourth triennial rulemaking proceeding to identify classes of works to be subject to exemption from the prohibition on circumvention and is in the final stages of making her recommendation to the Librarian. Because the Register was not able to present her recommendation to the Librarian before October 27, 2009, it is necessary to extend the effective date of the existing regulation identifying those classes of works until the time that the Librarian acts upon the recommendation of the Register. It is anticipated that the Register will submit her recommendation to the Librarian, and the Librarian will issue a regulation designating new exemptions, within the next few weeks.


For further information, go to the Copyright Office website at www.copyright.gov. (Read more.)