Copyright Office Proposes Updates to Regulations Governing Procedures for Registering Architectural Works
Issue No. 739 - December 26, 2018


The U.S. Copyright Office is proposing to update its regulations governing the procedures for registering architectural works. Applicants will be required to submit their claims using the online Standard Application and will be encouraged to upload digital copies of their works through the electronic registration system rather than submitting physical copies. The proposed regulation also clarifies under what circumstances applicants must provide a date of construction for a building as well as the meaning of the phrases “overall form of the building” and “interior arrangements of spaces and/or design elements,” which are the aspects of the architectural work that must be perceptible in a deposit copy submitted by an applicant.


The Office invites public comments on the proposed rule. The proposed rule and instructions on how to submit comments are available here. Written comments must be received no later than February 11, 2019, at 11:59 p.m. eastern time.