Library Announces Copyright Public Modernization Committee Meeting February 25

NewsNet 1081
February 3, 2026

The Library of Congress issued the following press release:

The Library of Congress will host the next meeting of the Copyright Public Modernization Committee (CPMC) on Wednesday, February 25, at 1:00 p.m. eastern time. This virtual meeting will be free and open to the public.

This meeting will feature remarks from Library of Congress and Copyright Office leadership about recent progress on the development of the Enterprise Copyright System (ECS). CPMC members and public attendees will see and hear updates on the design for the ECS Registration module and mark the successful launch of the official Copyright Public Records System.

Additionally, attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions of the CPMC members, Library technology staff, and copyright subject-matter experts related to the continuous development of Copyright Office technology.  

Participants must register in advance to attend. Request ADA accommodations five business days in advance at (202) 707-6362 or ADA@loc.gov.

The CPMC was renewed for a second term in 2024 to enhance communication with stakeholders and provide a public forum for the technology-related aspects of U.S. Copyright Office modernization. 

Copyright Office Continuous Development of IT Systems is a joint effort between the U.S. Copyright Office and the Library of Congress Office of the Chief Information Officer. For more information about Copyright Office technology and to view recordings of previous committee meetings, visit the Copyright Office’s Continuous Development website.

U.S. Copyright Office Announces Webinar on Copyright Essentials for Filmmakers

NewsNet 1079
January 8, 2026

The U.S. Copyright Office invites you to register to attend the upcoming online webinar, Lights, Camera, Action: Copyright Essentials for Filmmakers, on February 4 at 1:00 p.m. eastern time.

This event continues our educational series designed to teach copyright basics and key concepts to creators within various disciplines.

In this session, join us as the Copyright Office discusses what filmmakers, including producers, directors, and screenwriters, should know about copyright. We will answer commonly asked questions, review educational resources and registration options, and share how the Copyright Office’s Public Information Office can assist along the way.

Speakers:

• Miriam Lord, Associate Register of Copyrights and Director of Public Information and Education
• Laura Kaiser, Attorney-Advisor, Office of Public Information and Education

The Copyright Office strategic goal of Copyright for All means making the copyright system as understandable and accessible to as many members of the public as possible, through initiatives including education and outreach. Subscribe to stay updated about future webinars in this series.

Watch the complete set of recordings on our Copyright Essentials event page.

Group Registration for Two-Dimensional Artwork Final Rule

NewsNet 1078 
December 19, 2025

The U.S. Copyright Office has created a new group registration option known as Group Registration for Two-Dimensional Artwork, or GR2D, to allow artists to register a group of published two-dimensional artworks by submitting a deposit comprising one complete digital copy of each work within the group. The final rule expands the registration options currently available to artists and permits the registration of multiple works with a single application and one filing fee.

The final rule also announces a new online registration application for this group option. The proposed rule would have allowed applicants to register up to ten works published within a thirty-day period. Based on commenters’ input and to facilitate broader participation in the registration system, the final rule permits applicants to register up to twenty works, where all works within the group were first published within the same calendar year.

The final rule takes effect on February 17, 2026, to coincide with the expected completion of related system development and educational resources. The Office will issue an additional public announcement when this option is available to applicants. For more information, please visit the Copyright Office website. 

U.S. Copyright Office Fully Operational Following Government Reopening

NewsNet 1077

November 14, 2025

The U.S. Copyright Office is fully operational following the reopening of the federal government. The Office has resumed all services and continues to administer U.S. copyright law, including registering copyright claims, recording information about copyright ownership, providing information to the public, and assisting Congress and other parts of the government.

During the lapse in appropriations, most Office functions were paused. The Office has now resumed processing copyright registrations, recordation applications, and other requests. We are working diligently to handle pending submissions as promptly as possible. Consistent with our normal practices, registration claims and recordation submissions generally will be handled in the order in which they were received, including those submitted since October 1.

Any delay that occurred in processing will not affect the effective date of registration. This is the date the Office receives in acceptable form all required registration elements: an application, a deposit, and a nonrefundable filing fee. If additional information is needed to process a registration application, the Office will correspond with applicants.

The Copyright Claims Board (CCB), the Office’s voluntary small-claims tribunal, has resumed processing claims, including those submitted during the funding lapse. The CCB will work expeditiously to review those claims and other filings and respond to emails. It will also reschedule party conferences that were cancelled.

The Office appreciates the patience and understanding of the public and users of copyright services as we process applications and other submissions. If you have questions about the status of your submission, please contact us at copyright.gov/help/ during normal business hours, Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. eastern time. Our Copyright Office Reading Room is also open during regular business hours.

For more information about the U.S. Copyright Office, please visit us at copyright.gov.

U.S. Copyright Office Announces Webinar on Copyright Essentials for Writers

NewsNet 1072 
July 7, 2025

The U.S. Copyright Office invites you to register to attend the third session in our Copyright Essentials webinar series. The Plot Thickens: Copyright Essentials for Writers will take place on August 6 at 1:00 p.m. eastern time.

In this session, the Copyright Office will discuss what writers should know about copyright. We will cover information for writers of various literary works—from novels and blogs to poetry, cookbooks, textbooks, and more. The session will also review suitable application options and how our Public Information Office can help you along the way.

Attendees will also learn copyright basics, answers to commonly asked questions, and where to find Copyright Office educational resources.

Speakers:

• Jessica Chinnadurai, Attorney-Advisor, Office of Public Information and Education
• Laura Kaiser, Attorney-Advisor, Office of Public Information and Education

Prior Copyright Essentials webinars can also be viewed on our website:

• Copyright Essentials: Myths Explained
• Copyright Essentials: Myths Explained September 2024 Update
• Creativity in Focus: Copyright Essentials for Visual Artists and Photographers
• Find Your Voice: Copyright Essentials for Musicians

The Copyright Office strategic goal of Copyright for All means making the copyright system as understandable and accessible to as many members of the public as possible, through initiatives including education and outreach. Sign up to stay updated about future webinars in this series.

You have subscribed to the Copyright Office Events email list. To modify your subscriber preferences, please log into your Subscriber Preferences Page.

U.S. Copyright Office to Participate in 2025 Smithsonian Folklife Festival

U.S. Copyright Office Announces Webinar on Copyright Essentials for Musicians

NewsNet 1067
March 20, 2025

The U.S. Copyright Office invites you to register to attend a Copyright Essentials three-part series of online webinars, with the second session occurring on April 16 at 1:00 p.m. eastern time.

• Creativity in Focus: Copyright Essentials for Visual Artists and Photographers
• Find Your Voice: Copyright Essentials for Musicians
• The Plot Thickens: Copyright Essentials for Writers

These webinars are for creators in the visual art, music, and literary professions. In the second session, join us as the Copyright Office discusses what musicians, including performers and songwriters, should know about copyright—from the difference between musical works and sound recordings to registration application options and how our Public Information Office can help.

The took place in February and covered similar information for visual artists, including photographers. The third session will occur in August and address related topics for writers.

Attendees will also learn copyright basics, answers to commonly asked questions, and where to find Copyright Office educational resources. Register to attend. 

Speakers:

• Jessica Chinnadurai, Attorney-Advisor, Office of Public Information and Education
• Laura Kaiser, Attorney-Advisor, Office of Public Information and Education

Prior Copyright Essentials webinars can be viewed on our website:

• Copyright Essentials: Myths Explained
• Copyright Essentials: Myths Explained September 2024 Update

The Copyright Office strategic goal of Copyright for All means making the copyright system as understandable and accessible to as many members of the public as. Sign up to stay updated about future webinars in this series.

Library to Host Copyright Public Modernization Committee Meeting April 3

NewsNet 1065 
March 10, 2025

The Library of Congress issued the following press release:

The Library of Congress has announced the next meeting of the Copyright Public Modernization Committee (CPMC) will take place on Thursday, April 3, at 1:00 p.m. eastern time. This virtual meeting is open to the public.

This second meeting of the second term of the CPMC will highlight results from the limited pilot of the new Enterprise Copyright System (ECS) standard application and group registration functionalities. Attendees will also see a demonstration of the responsive design features in the new Copyright Public Records System (CPRS). Committee members will lead a discussion of the responsive design for ECS, including the planned features for registration, followed by a public question and answer time.

This virtual public forum is free and open to the public. Participants must register in advance to attend. Request ADA accommodations five business days in advance at (202) 707-6362 or ADA@loc.gov.

Copyright Office Continuous Development of IT Systems is a joint effort between the U.S. Copyright Office and the Library of Congress Office of the Chief Information Officer. For more information about Copyright Office technology and to view recordings of previous CPMC meetings, visit the Copyright Office’s Continuous Development website.

U.S. Copyright Office Announces Webinar on Copyright Essentials for Visual Artists and Photographers

NewsNet 1059
January 27, 2025

The U.S. Copyright Office invites you to register to attend a Copyright Essentials three-part series of online webinars, with the first session occurring on February 19 at 1:00 p.m. eastern time.

1) Creativity in Focus: Copyright Essentials for Visual Artists and Photographers
2) Find Your Voice: Copyright Essentials for Musicians
3) The Plot Thickens: Copyright Essentials for Writers

These webinars are for creators in the visual art, music, and literary professions. In the first session, join us as the Copyright Office discusses what visual artists, including graphic designers and photographers, should know about copyright—from the types of visual art works protectable by copyright to registration application options and how our Public Information Office can help.

The second session will take place in April and cover similar information for musicians, including songwriters and performers. The third session will occur in August and address related topics for writers.

Attendees will also learn copyright basics, answers to commonly asked questions, and where to find Copyright Office educational resources. Register to attend. 

Speakers:

• Jessica Chinnadurai, Attorney-Advisor, Office of Public Information and Education
• Laura Kaiser, Attorney-Advisor, Office of Public Information and Education

Prior Copyright Essentials webinars can be viewed on our website:
• Copyright Essentials: Myths Explained
• Copyright Essentials: Myths Explained September 2024 Update

The Copyright Office strategic goal of Copyright for All means making the copyright system as understandable and accessible to as many members of the public as possible, through initiatives including education and outreach. Sign up to stay updated about future webinars in this series.

The Copyright Office Announces Updated Webinar on Copyright Essentials: Myths Explained

NewsNet 1050

August 21, 2024

The U.S. Copyright Office invites you to register to attend the upcoming online webinar, Copyright Essentials: Myths Explained, on September 18, 2024, at 1:00 p.m. eastern time.*

There is a lot of misleading information out there about copyright. Join us as we discuss what is and is not true when it comes to copyright. We want to make sure you have the facts and know where to go if you need more information.

In this webinar, you will learn about copyright basics and the Office’s functions and educational resources. The list of resources we will be discussing will be available on our event page.

*Note: This is an updated version of our March Myths Explained webinar, back by popular demand.

Speakers:

• Jessica Chinnadurai, Attorney-Advisor, Office of Public Information and Education
• Laura Kaiser, Attorney-Advisor, Office of Public Information and Education

The Copyright Office aims to broaden public awareness of what the copyright system encompasses and how to participate. A cornerstone of our current strategic plan is Copyright for All, and the Office dedicates itself to making the copyright system as understandable and accessible to as many members of the public as possible.

U.S. Copyright Office Invites Public to Webinar on How to Level Up Your Copyright Public Records Search 

NewsNet 1045

July 09, 2024

The U.S. Copyright Office invites you to register to attend the upcoming webinar: Level Up Your Copyright Public Records Search on August 1, 2024, at 2:00 p.m. eastern time.  

In this sixty-minute webinar, we will share ways to search copyright public records using our pilot of the new Copyright Public Records System (CPRS), an easy-to-navigate, highly searchable database. CPRS is the second component to be made publicly available as part of the Office’s new Enterprise Copyright System (ECS).  

The webinar will include a live demonstration of the CPRS pilot’s powerful search capabilities. Learn how to leverage its many features to conduct simple and advanced searches successfully and receive information on supplemental research and support services the Office provides to the public. There will be an opportunity for questions and answers.   

Time: August 1, 2024, 2:00 p.m. eastern time 

Speakers: 

• Denise Wofford, Assistant Register and Director, Office of Copyright Records, U.S. Copyright Office
• George Thuronyi, Deputy Director, Office of Public Information and Education, U.S. Copyright Office 
• Michael Goldfine, Copyright Specialist, Records Research and Certification Division, U.S. Copyright Office

Since the release of the CPRS pilot in December 2020, the Office, in partnership with the Library of Congress’s Office of the Chief Information Officer (OCIO), has continuously improved CPRS’s search capabilities and interfaces and added the ability to download, email, and share public records such as registration and renewal information and recorded documents. In addition to the same current recordation and registration information in the existing Official Public Catalog, CPRS now includes searchable metadata for over 2.7 million registration applications from 1909 to 1945.  

The legacy system that supports the existing Copyright Office Online Public Catalog will be decommissioned in 2025. CPRS will become the sole source of authoritative online copyright information on registrations and recordations by summer 2025 upon retirement of the legacy system.     

The public is encouraged to interact with the CPRS pilot at publicrecords.copyright.gov and provide feedback on their experience using the feedback link at the bottom of the web page.  

To receive notifications about future Copyright Office events, subscribe to our email updates. 

The Copyright Office announces Webinar on Copyright Essentials: Myths Explained

NewsNet 1038

March 7, 2024

The U.S. Copyright Office invites you to register to attend the upcoming online webinar, “Copyright Essentials: Copyright Myths Explained” on March 27, 2024, at 1:00 p.m. eastern time. There is a lot of misleading information out there about copyright. Join us as the Copyright Office discusses what is and is not true when it comes to copyright. The Copyright Office wants to make sure you have the facts and know where to go if you need more information.

In this sixty-minute webinar, attendees will learn about the Copyright Office’s functions, copyright basics, and the Copyright Office’s educational resources. Register here.
Speakers:

• Jessica Chinnadurai, Attorney-Advisor, Office of Public Information and Education
• Laura Kaiser, Attorney-Advisor, Office of Public Information and Education

The Copyright Office aims to broaden public awareness of what the copyright system encompasses and how to participate. A cornerstone of our current strategic plan is Copyright for All, and the Copyright Office dedicates itself to making the copyright system as understandable and accessible to as many members of the public as possible.

U.S. Copyright Office Proposes New Group Registration Procedure for Two-Dimensional Artwork

NewsNet 1037
February 15, 2024

The Copyright Office has published a notice of proposed rulemaking to create a group option for registering published two-dimensional artwork. To qualify for this option, each work must be a two-dimensional pictorial or graphic work, all created by the same author, and the author must be named as the copyright claimant for each one. The works must be published within a thirty-day period, and up to ten works may be included in each submission. Applicants will be required to complete an online application and upload a digital copy of each work to the electronic registration system.

The Office seeks public comments on the proposed rulemaking, which will be considered in promulgating a final rule.

The proposed regulation and instructions on how to submit a comment are available on our website. Written comments must be received no later than April 1, 2024, at 11:59 p.m. eastern time.

February Events

Coming this month from the United States Copyright Office

February 15, 2024

1:00 p.m. eastern time

Copyright Public Modernization Committee Meeting

online event

February 21, 2024

1:00 p.m. eastern time

Hip-Hop Beyond 50: Protecting and Promoting Culture

online event

Copyright Office Hosts Event in Celebration of Black History Month, “Hip-Hop Beyond 50: Protecting and Promoting Culture”

NewsNet 1034

February 1, 2024

Library to Host Copyright Public Modernization Committee Meeting February 15

NewsNet 1033

January 31, 2024

The Library of Congress issued the following press release:

The Library of Congress will host the sixth bi-annual meeting of the Copyright Public Modernization Committee virtually on Thursday, February 15, at 1:00 p.m. eastern time.

In addition to updates from Library and Copyright Office staff on the development of the Enterprise Copyright System, attendees will see a live demonstration of the Library’s system for onsite access to rights-restricted content.

The meeting agenda will also feature reflections from members of the Copyright Public Modernization Committee on the first three years since its establishment. Additionally, there will be a discussion regarding a renewed authorization of the committee.

There will be an opportunity for public questions and answers.

This virtual public forum is free and open to the public. Participants must register in advance to attend. Request ADA accommodations five business days in advance at (202) 707-6362 or ADA@loc.gov.

Copyright Office IT modernization is a joint effort between the U.S. Copyright Office and the Library of Congress Office of the Chief Information Officer. For more information about Copyright Office IT modernization and to view recordings of previous Copyright Public Modernization Committee meetings, visit Copyright’s modernization website at copyright.gov/copyright-modernization/. 

November Events

Coming this month from the United States Copyright Office

November 30, 2023

1:00 p.m. eastern time

Recordation System Webinar

online event

Copyright Office Announces Open Application Period for Ringer Fellowships

NewsNet 1020

September 11, 2023

The Copyright Office is now accepting applications for the Barbara A. Ringer Copyright Honors Program. This fellowship, which runs eighteen to twenty-four months, was created for attorneys in the initial stages of their careers who demonstrate exceptional ability and interest in copyright law. Ringer Fellows work closely with senior attorneys and others in the Office of the General Counsel, the Office of Policy and International Affairs, the Office of the Register, and the Office of Registration Policy and Practice on a range of copyright-related law and policy matters. Ringer Fellows serve as full-time federal employees for the term of their fellowships and are eligible for salary and benefits as permitted under federal law.

Additional details about the Ringer Fellowship, including the application process, can be found on the Barbara A. Ringer Copyright Honors Program website. Applications will be accepted from September 11, 2023, through December 29, 2023.

September Events

Coming this month from the United States Copyright Office

September 13, 2023

1:00 p.m. eastern time

Celebrating Ten Years of the Marrakesh Treaty

online event

September 28, 2023

1:00 p.m. eastern time

Recordation System Webinar

online event

It’s That Time Again! Help Us Get to SXSW

Educating our community is at the forefront of what we do at the Copyright Office, and we need your help! We hope you’ll consider voting for the Copyright Office’s 2024 SXSW panel pitches. Read more about our ideas and sign up to vote below.

Panel 1:

The Creative Biz: What We Wish Was Taught in Art School

Healthy creative businesses are built on strong foundations of both passion and business. To truly flourish, they must have both. In this sixty-minute session, learn from the U.S. Copyright Office and others about how creatives can protect their work through copyright; common revenue streams for creators, like licensing; best practices for running your business; and where solopreneurs, small businesses, and underrepresented groups can go for practical business training, support, and community.

At the end of this session attendees should know

• how copyright can be used by creators to protect their work and what to do when someone takes their work without permission;
• common revenue streams for creators, including an intro to how licensing works; and
• where to go for practical business training, guidance, and community.

Panelists

• Miriam Lord – Moderator, Associate Register of Copyrights and Director of Public Information and Education, U.S. Copyright Office
• Jayda Imanlihen – Founder and Executive Director, Black Girl Film School
• Neeta Ragoowansi – Executive Director, Folk Alliance International and President, Music Managers Forum – US
• Linda Bloss-Baum – Assistant Director, Business and Entertainment Program, Kogod School of Business, American University

Panel 2:

Hip-Hop at 50: Protecting and Promoting Culture

2023 marked the official fiftieth anniversary of Hip-Hop, a uniquely American art form popular the world over, encompassing MCing, DJing, breakdancing, graffiti art, and beatboxing. In this sixty-minute session, learn from the U.S. Copyright Office, experts, and practitioners about how Hip-Hop has influenced creators across the world and how practitioners themselves can use and reuse work responsibly.

At the end of this session attendees should know

• how copyright can be used by creators to protect their work and what to do when someone takes their work without permission;
• how to sample and license works responsibly, including what to look for in beat store contracts and show venues; and
• the broad influence of Hip-Hop in popular culture both nationally and internationally.

Panelists:

• Suzy Wilson – Moderator, General Counsel and Associate Register of Copyrights, U.S. Copyright Office
• Dae Bogan – Head of Third-Party Partnerships, The MLC
• Bruce Waynne – Grammy-Award Winning Music Producer, Publisher, and Label Executive
• Junious Brickhouse – Director, Next Level

Sound like fun? Think you’d like to learn more? Vote for our pitches “The Creative Biz: What We Wish Was Taught in Art School” https://panelpicker.sxsw.com/vote/137133 and “Hip-Hop at 50: Protecting and Promoting Culture” https://panelpicker.sxsw.com/vote/133589. by August 20.

Thanks for your support, and hope to see you there!

- The U.S. Copyright Office Team

August Events

Coming this month from the United States Copyright Office

August 12, 2023

9:00 a.m. eastern time

2023 National Book Festival

hybrid event

August 16, 2023

1:00 p.m. eastern time

Summer 2023 Copyright Public Modernization Committee Meeting

online event

August 17, 2023

2:00 p.m. eastern time

What You Need to Know about the Copyright Claims Board

online event

You may have heard about the Copyright Claims Board, or CCB for short. But what is the CCB? Who can use it? In this fifty-minute webinar, learn the basics about what anyone should know before filing or participating in a CCB proceeding. Attendees will learn about the types of claims the CCB can hear, legal resources to be aware of, and why respondents might want to consider participating in the United States’ first intellectual property small claims tribunal.

Note: This is a repeat of our January CCB webinar, back by popular demand.

Date: August 17, 2023 2:00 p.m. eastern time

Speakers:

Maya Burchette, Attorney-Advisor, Copyright Claims Board

Dan Booth, Attorney-Advisor, Copyright Claims Board

Register Here

*   *   *

About the CCB: The Copyright Alternative in Small-Claims Enforcement (CASE) Act of 2020 established the Copyright Claims Board (CCB), a tribunal located in the Copyright Office and available as a voluntary alternative to federal court. The CCB is an efficient, streamlined way to resolve copyright disputes involving claims seeking damages of up to $30,000 and is designed to be less expensive than bringing a case in a federal court.

Library to Host Summer 2023 Copyright Public Modernization Committee Meeting

NewsNet 1012

July 26, 2023

The Library of Congress issued the following press release:

The Library of Congress will host the summer 2023 meeting of the Copyright Public Modernization Committee virtually on Wednesday, August 16, at 1:00 p.m. eastern time. Participants will hear from Library and Copyright Office staff about the latest developments of the Enterprise Copyright System .

In addition to updates from Library and Copyright Office staff on the development of the Enterprise Copyright System, attendees will participate in a moderated conversation about increasing awareness of new developments. There will be an opportunity for public questions and answers.

This virtual public forum is free and open to the public. Participants must register in advance to attend. Request ADA accommodations five business days in advance at (202) 707-6362 or ADA@loc.gov.

Copyright Office IT modernization is a joint effort between the U.S. Copyright Office and the Library of Congress Office of the Chief Information Officer. For more information about Copyright Office IT modernization and to view recordings of previous CPMC meetings, visit the Copyright Office modernization website at copyright.gov/copyright-modernization. 

July Events

Coming this month from the United States Copyright Office

July 26, 2023

11:00 a.m. eastern time

International Copyright Issues and Artificial Intelligence

online event

July 27, 2023

1:00 p.m. eastern time

Recordation System Webinar

online event

June Events

Coming this month from the United States Copyright Office

June 28, 2023

2:00 p.m. eastern time

Guidance for Works Containing AI-Generated Content

online event