Massachusetts Artists Leaders Coalition

Artists leaders and artist-run groups addressing policy issues that affect artists in Massachusetts

Learn the new US Copyright Registration Rule Changes for Photographs

The Copyright Office recently announced that new rules for registering photographs in the U.S. will take effect on February 20, 2018. Please pay attention to these new rules. ASMP is offering an informative, free webinar on Thursday, February 15, 11:00amPT, 2:00pmET, 7pmGMT.

The Copyright Office (@CopyrightOffice) announced on January 18, 2018, new rule changes for registration of photographs in the U.S. will take effect on February 20, 2018.

Copyright Office Introduces Online Group Registration of Photographs

As part of its continued efforts to modernize its services, the U.S. Copyright Office announces that, as of February 20, 2018, it will begin accepting applications for group registration of photographs through the Office’s online registration system. In most cases, applicants will generally be required to file such applications online, and may include up to 750 photographs in each claim. ~ https://www.copyright.gov/newsnet/2018/701.html

More detail, as published in the Federal Register:
https://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/FR-2018-01-18/pdf/2018-00687.pdf

Published vs. Unpublished

In addition to the limit of 750 photographs per $55 registration fee, there are important submission requirements you will need to follow. Among them is the following:

Noted from the above tweet:

As mentioned in the final rule, applicants will be required to prepare and submit a list containing the titles and file names for each photograph in a group, along with a copy of each photograph in the group. The Office developed templates that may be used to prepare this list. The Office also prepared help text that provides step-by-step instructions for completing each application. See help text for published and unpublished.

Important!

Although you will still be able to register an unlimited number of photographs for the $55 fee before February 20, 2018, it is important to understand that your effective date to complete this task will be 5 p.m., February 15, 2018:

“If you’re trying to get your backlog registered before the change, note that the eCO system will be offline for maintenance from 5:00 p.m. eastern time on Thursday, February 15 until 9:00 p.m. eastern time on Monday, February 19.”
https://www.photoattorney.com/plan-copyright-office-electronic-registration-system-offline-maintenance/

ASMP webinar will help you understand new Registration Rule Changes

The ASMP will be hosting a free webinar (please register) on February 15, 11am Pacific, 2pm Eastern, 7pm GMT that will be focusing on the details of the new regulations and how they will impact you.

SB Webinar: Understanding New Copyright Regulations for Group Registration of Photographs on February 15th
https://www.asmp.org/strictly-business-blog/sb-webinar-understanding-new-copyright-registration-regulations-feb-15th/

With new copyright regulations being put in place on February 20th that will revise the rules and requirements for group registration of photographs, please join us to discuss and provide clarification on:

What has changed?
What do I need to comply with the new regulations?
How can I maximize my protection under the new regulations?

Jeff Sedlik, President and CEO of the PLUS Coalition, will be presenting the webinar and will be able to answer questions. Jeff has an exceptional understanding of these important changes.

There are many advantages to the timely registration of your photographs so please pay attention and register for this upcoming ASMP webinar.

(published via the Artists’ Bill of Rights post, with permission)