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US Copyright Office Announces Changes in Response to COVID-19 Outbreak
Practical Law Legal Update w-024-5398 (Approx. 3 pages)
US Copyright Office Announces Changes in Response to COVID-19 Outbreak
by Practical Law Intellectual Property & Technology
| Published on 19 Mar 2020 • USA (National/Federal) |
The US Copyright Office announced changes in response to the 2019 novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak, including a special handling policy for electronic submissions.
On March 18, 2020, the US Copyright Office announced changes in response to the 2019 novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak.
All Library of Congress buildings, including the Copyright Office, were closed to the public on March 13, 2020 to reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission. The Copyright Office has implemented telework requirements to allow a reduced onsite staff presence. As a result, paper application processing and examination of physical deposits will be delayed and the Copyright Office strongly encourages online applications instead.
While offices are closed, the Copyright Office is implementing interim measures, including:
- Adopting a "special handling" policy for applications for registration on an expedited basis in which:
- special handling claims with electronic deposits (if permissible) are submitted electronically; and
- the claims will continue to be examined within five business days.
- In cases where a physical deposit is required, allowing:
- applicants to also upload an electronic deposit with a declaration that the deposit is identical to the physical deposit; and
- the claims to be examined within five business days.