Copyright Office Further Extends Certain Timing Provisions Due to COVID-19

The Copyright Office is further extending the temporary adjustments to certain timing provisions under the Copyright Act for persons affected by the COVID-19 national emergency. The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act authorizes the Register of Copyrights to temporarily adjust statutory deadlines for copyright owners and other affected parties if she determines that a national emergency declared by the President is generally disrupting the normal operation of the copyright system. Under this authority, the Copyright Office previously has announced adjustments relating to certain registration claims, notices of termination, and section 115 notices of intention and statements of account.

These emergency modifications previously were set to continue through July 10, 2020. Because the disruptions remain in effect, however, the Acting Register is extending the modifications for up to an additional sixty days, or through September 8, 2020. The Office has notified Congress of these further extensions. For further details, please visit the Office’s Coronavirus page.