Simple English definitions for legal terms
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Special Relief: When someone wants to register their copyright or deposit their work with the U.S. Copyright Office, they usually have to follow certain rules. But sometimes, if they have a good reason, they can ask for special relief. This means they can get permission to do things a little differently than usual.
SPECIAL RELIEF
Special relief is a term used in copyright law to refer to a waiver or exception granted by the U.S. Copyright Office when an applicant has a good reason for not meeting a formal requirement for copyright registration or deposit.
For example, if an applicant is unable to provide a physical copy of their work for deposit due to extenuating circumstances, such as a natural disaster or a medical emergency, they may be granted special relief and allowed to submit a digital copy instead.
Another example of special relief could be granted if an applicant is unable to meet a specific deadline for registration due to unforeseen circumstances, such as a family emergency or a technical issue with the Copyright Office's online registration system.
Special relief is a way for the Copyright Office to be flexible and understanding when applicants are unable to meet certain requirements due to circumstances beyond their control. By granting special relief, the Copyright Office can ensure that deserving applicants are not unfairly penalized for situations that are out of their hands.