📅 2026 Update: Changes in Copyright Registration and Fair Use

Since the original article was published, there have been significant updates to copyright laws and registration processes. These changes reflect the evolving nature of digital content and aim to improve the clarity and efficiency of copyright registration. The details below highlight the most important updates relevant to libraries and archives.

📖 Mandatory Deposit of Electronic Books

As of December 14, 2020, the U.S. Copyright Office requires the mandatory deposit of electronic books. This law ensures that digital works published online are preserved for future reference.

This change is crucial for libraries and archives, as it broadens the scope of materials they can access and preserve.

📰 Amendment to Group Registration for News Websites

In May 2026, the U.S. Copyright Office proposed an amendment to the group registration for frequently updated news websites. This amendment aims to define "news website" more clearly.

It includes sites that report on various subjects and frequently update content. This update is expected to simplify the registration process for news publishers.

💰 Current Fees and Costs

The fees for copyright registration have also been updated. For example, electronic filing for a single author and one work costs $45, while a standard application costs $65. Understanding these costs is important for libraries and archives that manage copyright registrations for various works.

⏳ Current Processing Times

Processing times for copyright applications can vary based on complexity and volume. As of April 1, 2026, and continuing until September 30, 2026, applicants should check the U.S. Copyright Office's website for the latest processing information.

This awareness helps libraries and archives plan their registration strategies effectively.

📜 Works Eligible for Copyright

To qualify for copyright protection, a work must be original and fixed in a tangible form. This definition now includes a broad range of works, such as literary, musical, and audiovisual content. Libraries and archives should ensure that the works they manage meet these eligibility criteria.

📌 Key Points to Remember

  • 📚 Mandatory deposit of electronic books started in 2020.
  • 📰 New amendment for group registration of news websites proposed in May 2026.
  • 💰 Registration fees vary, with costs for electronic filings starting at $45.
  • ⏳ Processing times depend on application complexity and volume.
  • 📜 Works must be original and fixed to be eligible for copyright.

💡 Tips for Navigating Copyright and Fair Use

Reviewing your specific situation with an attorney can help clarify any legal questions related to copyright and fair use.

📑 Understand Mandatory Deposit Requirements

If your library or archive publishes electronic books, be aware of the mandatory deposit requirements. This involves submitting copies of digital works within three months of publication to the U.S. Copyright Office.

📅 Stay Updated on Registration Fees

Keep track of the current registration fees, as they can change over time. Knowing the exact costs can help libraries and archives budget for copyright registration and manage their resources effectively.

📝 Utilize Online Registration

Take advantage of the U.S. Copyright Office’s online registration system. This electronic Copyright Office (eCO) allows for a faster and more efficient application process compared to paper filings.

📄 Review Works for Eligibility

Before applying for copyright, ensure that the works are original and fixed in a tangible medium. This is essential for the effective registration of literary and artistic works.

📈 Monitor Processing Times

Regularly check the U.S. Copyright Office’s website for updates on processing times. Being informed can aid libraries and archives in planning their registration submissions and managing expectations.

🔍 Explore Free Resources

Make use of the resources provided by the U.S. Copyright Office and the Library of Congress. These institutions offer guidance and materials that can help libraries and archives navigate copyright laws without incurring additional costs.

🏆 Free Options Ranked by User Reviews (2026)

No national paid service in this area met the review threshold, so this section focuses on free government and nonprofit resources available to assist with copyright and intellectual property questions.

🥇 1. U.S. Copyright Office

The U.S. Copyright Office offers a wealth of resources including circulars, FAQs, and online tutorials. These materials are designed to help individuals understand copyright law and the registration process.

Libraries and archives can benefit from these resources when assisting patrons.

🥈 2. Library of Congress

As the nation's oldest federal cultural institution, the Library of Congress provides extensive support regarding copyright and intellectual property. Their resources are valuable for libraries and archives looking to deepen their understanding of copyright issues and access historical works.

🥉 3. Free Tutorials and Guides

The U.S. Copyright Office publishes free tutorials and guides that explain various aspects of copyright law. These materials are ideal for libraries and archives that want to educate staff or patrons about copyright protections and registration procedures.

4️⃣ Online FAQs and Help Sections

The U.S. Copyright Office maintains a comprehensive FAQ section on its website. This allows libraries and archives to quickly find answers to common copyright questions, streamlining the process of providing information to their users.

5️⃣ Community Workshops

Various community organizations often host free workshops on copyright and intellectual property. Libraries and archives can collaborate with these organizations to offer educational sessions to their patrons, helping to raise awareness of copyright issues.

🔎 What to Check Before Paying for Help

  • 📄 Confirm if the service offers free resources first.
  • 💵 Verify total costs and any hidden fees.
  • 🏛️ Ensure the service is recognized and reputable.
  • 🤝 Look for user reviews or testimonials.
  • 📞 Check if they offer direct support or consultations.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

❓ What is the mandatory deposit for electronic books?

The mandatory deposit requires that electronic books published in the U.S. be submitted to the U.S. Copyright Office within three months of publication. This helps ensure the preservation of digital works.

🔍 How do I register a claim for copyright?

To register a claim, complete Form CO electronically and submit it with the appropriate fee and a nonreturnable copy of the work. Handwritten information is not accepted, except for signatures.

📅 How long does it take to process a copyright application?

Processing times vary based on the complexity of the claim and the volume of applications received. It’s important to refer to the U.S. Copyright Office’s website for the latest processing updates.

📖 What types of works are eligible for copyright protection?

Works that are original and fixed in a tangible medium of expression are eligible. This includes literary, musical, and audiovisual works, among others.

💰 What are the current registration fees?

Registration fees vary depending on the type of application. For example, electronic filing for a single author and one work costs $45, while a standard application costs $65.

📰 What resources are available for understanding copyright law?

The U.S. Copyright Office and the Library of Congress offer various resources, including FAQs, circulars, and online tutorials. These materials are helpful for libraries and archives in navigating copyright issues.

⚖️ Recent Cases Related to Copyright and Fair Use

Recent court rulings have focused on various aspects of copyright and fair use, impacting how libraries and archives manage and reproduce works.

You can browse more rulings on the news page to stay updated on the latest decisions and their implications for copyright law.

End of October 2026 Update





It is not considered to be
copyright infringement for a library or archive to
make one copy of a phonorecord. Protection extends down to the library or
archive’s employees. The reproduction of the phonorecord must not be for
commercial gain, directly or indirectly. To not infringe on copyright rights of
a creator, a library or archive that creates a copy of a work must open that
work to the public as well as anyone performing research in a field related to
the copied work. A notice that the work is copyrighted must be included on the
original and the copy of the work. The copy must clearly state that the work is
copyrighted and may not be illegally used or copied for financial gain.



Phonorecords may be copied no more than three times by a library
or archive for preservation purposes. To not impede any copyright rights, the
copied material must have already been in the collection of the library or
archive. Any phonorecord that is reproduced in digital format cannot be
distributed outside of the library in that format. The public is not allowed
access to the coped digital recording outside the library.



If the original phonorecord is
lost, damaged, or stolen the library must attempt to purchase another original
copy. This is to ensure the creator is receiving their exclusive rights of
ownership. An exception may be made if an original copy cannot be obtained at a
reasonable price. The copies made into digital format cannot exist outside of
the library.



No library employee shall be subject to copyright infringement if
they are using machines that are capable of making copies as long as they are
following copyright laws and the machines they use clearly show the material
copied is copyright protected and the exclusive rights belong to the creator.
Any use of a copy machine for use outside the library, whether it be for
financial gain or not, is illegal. The reproduction by libraries and archives
shall not affect in any way the laws of fair use copyright.



Any misuse of a copying machine is the fault of the person doing
so, not the entire library. Commercial gain based on the copying of
phonorecords in the current archives of a library is illegal. An original copy
must be maintained especially if the price to acquire the original copy is
reasonable. The rules set forth for the copying of a phonorecord by a library
or archive only apply to sound recordings. Literary works, graphics and
pictures have a different set of rights that come with ownership of those
things.

Uncover the Facts of Reproduction by Libraries and Archives