Copyright Office Offers Electronic Registration

July 17, 2008

It is now possible to register copyright claims to many types of protectable works using a new online service at the U.S. Copyright Office website.   Online registration through the “electronic Copyright Office” is now the preferred option for any basic claims for literary works (e.g., books and articles), visual arts works (e.g., photographs, drawings, and painting), and performing arts works (e.g., movies and music recordings).  The online filing fees are lower than the fees for the traditional paper filing and the status of the registration can be tracked on the website.  In addition, according to the Copyright Office, the processing time for e-filed copyright claims will be faster.  The service went into effect on July 1, 2008.  If you need any assistance with registration of a copyright or with copyright questions in general, please contact the Eaton Peabody Intellectual Property
practice group at ip@eatonpeabody.com. 
 
 This alert is provided as general information, and is not a substitute for legal or other professional advice.