Library of Congress May 8, 2020 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

The U.S. Copyright Office is issuing an interim rule amending its regulations governing the registration of copyright claims in secure tests in order to address a disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The Office has become aware that certain examinations that normally would qualify for registration as secure tests may be ineligible for this option because they currently are being administered remotely rather than at specified testing centers. The interim rule allows otherwise-eligible tests that are administered online during the national emergency to qualify as secure tests, provided the test administrator employs sufficient security measures. In addition, the Office is requesting public comment on the technological requirements needed for examination of secure test claims via secure teleconference. Finally, the Office is announcing its intention to issue guidelines according to which parties may request ex parte meetings with the Office in this proceeding.