US Copyright Office Considers Changes to Copyright Rules

Last week, the U.S. Copyright Office announced its priorities and thoughts for the coming year. The priorities range from the possible establishment of a new small claims circuit to group registrations to a new way that websites and blogs can register continually changing material for copyright protection. Both thoughts seem like sound changes, but let’s keep an eye out for the small-claims circuit idea and structure; we wouldn’t want it to short-change low-income or struggling artists and further benefit those with the power to litigate.

Based on this circular, the small-claims circuit idea seems promising:

Specifically, the Office is to undertake a study to: (1) assess the extent to which authors and other copyright owners are effectively prevented from seeking relief from infringements due to constraints in the current system; and (2) furnish specific recommendations, as appropriate, for changes in administrative, regulatory and statutory authority that will improve the adjudication of small copyright claims and thereby enable all copyright owners to more fully realize the promise of exclusive rights enshrined in our Constitution. [bold added]

If you have any thoughts on the small-claims circuit, be sure to let the Copyright Office know by filling out this online form. Deadline is 5pm, January 16, 2012.

The Copyright Office website will also be revamped and updated in 2012.

Here’s a link to the Copyright Office’s Circular detailing the considered changes.

Nutshell version via the Hollywood Reporter.

Tags: art, blogs, copyright changes, fair use, federal lawsuits, intellectual property, law, photography, small claims court, websites