Back in August, the Library of Congress submitted a rulemaking proposal to simplify and streamline the deposit requirements for copyright registration. In brief, if such changes are made, publishers of most literary works and sheet music will be required to supply only one copy of these works with copyright registration applications and fees (the current requirement is for two copies). This will cut registration costs, and is anticipated to also cut down processing time for registrations.

The window for public comments has now closed, but there has been no announcement of an official change in policy, so don’t let news of this proposal delay a decision to protect your work by registering your copyright. For the best level of legal protection, the Copyright Office recommends registering within three months of publication, or definitely BEFORE copyright infringement occurs.

You can read a summary of the proposed rulemaking hereand see the…