Legal Definitions - Register of Copyrights

The Register of Copyrights is the federal official who leads the U.S. Copyright Office. This office is responsible for issuing regulations related to copyright and processing applications for copyright registration.

The Register of Copyrights is the principal federal official who leads the U.S. Copyright Office. This office is responsible for administering the nation's copyright laws, which includes developing and issuing regulations, and processing applications from creators who wish to officially register their original works.

Here are some examples illustrating the role of the Register of Copyrights:

• Imagine a new form of digital art emerges, created entirely by artificial intelligence, raising complex questions about who can claim ownership or if such works are even eligible for copyright. The Register of Copyrights would direct the U.S. Copyright Office to study these novel issues and subsequently publish official guidance or update existing regulations to clarify how these AI-generated works might be treated under copyright law. This demonstrates the Register's responsibility for issuing regulations and adapting copyright administration to new technologies.

• An aspiring songwriter completes their debut album and wants to ensure their musical compositions and sound recordings are legally protected. They submit an application for copyright registration through the U.S. Copyright Office. The entire system, from the online application portal to the examiners who review the submitted materials, functions under the direct leadership and supervision of the Register of Copyrights, who ensures the efficient and proper processing of all such applications.

• When Congress is debating potential amendments to existing copyright statutes, such as changes to how digital content is protected, the Register of Copyrights might be called upon to provide expert testimony. In this capacity, the Register would offer insights into the practical impact of proposed legislation on creators, the public, and the operational capabilities of the U.S. Copyright Office, highlighting their role as a key federal official advising on copyright policy.