Copyright Office Publishes Interim Rule on Document Recordation
Issue No. 690 - November 13, 2017
Today, the U.S. Copyright Office published an interim rule amending its regulations concerning the recordation of transfers of copyright ownership, notices of termination, and other documents pertaining to copyright. On May 18, 2017, the Office issued an NPRM proposing amendments to the Office’s recordation regulations designed to update them in anticipation of development of a new electronic recordation system. The NPRM also noted that at least some aspects of the proposal could be implemented prior to the rollout of the new system. This interim rule adopts a number of the proposed improvements to the extent practicable under the current paper-based recordation system. The Office intends to replace the interim rule with a final rule once the new online system is publicly released. While the rule makes many changes and clarifications, the general mechanics of recordation remain essentially the same. One of the more notable amendments is that electronically signed documents can now be recorded, expanding the universe of recordable documents. Additionally, a document cover sheet containing various certifications and indexing information is now required, which should aid remitters in confirming their submissions are complete and compliant, and should also benefit the Office by making the examination process more efficient.
More information is available here.