📅 2026 Update: Changes in Copyright Law and Registration

Since the original article on Rogers v. Koons was written, several important changes have occurred in U.S. copyright law. The U.S.

Copyright Office has implemented new rules and clarified existing ones, affecting how copyright registration and other related processes work. The earlier article continues further down the page for those looking for more detailed information.

📰 New Definition for News Websites

On August 13, 2026, the U.S. Copyright Office updated the Group Registration for Updates to a News Website (GRNW) program. The new rule clarifies that "news website" now includes sites that cover various topics, focus on current events, and frequently update their content.

This change may benefit more creators and organizations seeking to register their work.

🔍 Inquiry on Access Control Exemptions

On June 9, 2026, the Copyright Office issued a notice inviting public input on exemptions to the prohibition against circumvention of access controls on copyrighted works. This inquiry aims to explore potential exceptions that may arise as technology evolves and impacts copyright protections.

📋 Streamlined Registration Process

The Copyright Office proposed changes on May 28, 2026, to improve the GRNW program's administration and simplify the registration process. These amendments aim to help copyright owners register their works more easily and efficiently.

📅 Processing Times Update

As of now, the average processing time for copyright claims is about 2.5 months. Claims without correspondence are processed faster at 1.9 months, while those requiring correspondence take around 3.7 months. Understanding these timelines helps individuals plan their registration submissions.

📌 Key Changes Summarized

  • 📅 New Definition for News Websites includes more content types.
  • 🔍 Public Inquiry on access control exemptions invites feedback.
  • 📋 Streamlined Registration Process aims for easier submissions.
  • ⏱️ Average Processing Times now at 2.5 months.

💡 Tips for Navigating Copyright Registration

Reviewing your specific situation with your attorney can clarify the best course of action for you.

📄 Use Online Registration

Utilize the electronic Copyright Office (eCO) system for online registration. This method allows for faster processing and efficient management of your copyright claims.

💰 Be Aware of Fees

Know the costs involved in registration. Electronic filing fees for a standard application are $65, while group registration for news websites costs $95. Understanding these fees helps in budgeting for your copyright needs.

📅 Consider Processing Times

Anticipate average processing times when submitting your claim. Claims without correspondence take around 1.9 months, while those with correspondence can extend to 3.7 months. Planning ahead can minimize delays.

⚖️ Understand Eligibility Rules

Ensure that your work meets eligibility rules for copyright. Original works fixed in a tangible medium of expression are eligible, but some categories, like government-created works, may not be protected.

🆓 Explore Free Resources

Take advantage of free resources provided by the U.S. Copyright Office. They offer FAQs, circulars, and online tutorials to help navigate the registration process.

🏆 Top Services Ranked by User Reviews (2026)

In the realm of copyright and intellectual property services, several online platforms can assist with registration and document preparation. The following list is based on Trustpilot data from October 2026, reflecting the quality of service as rated by users. Star ratings are just one part of the picture; unhappy customers often leave more feedback, and experiences can vary widely.

🥇 1. LegalZoom

LegalZoom has been rated 4.6. It is known for providing online legal document preparation and business formation services, which includes intellectual property registration. However, some users report delays in processing times and issues with customer support responsiveness.

🥈 2. Rocket Lawyer

Rocket Lawyer holds a score of 4.5. This platform is recognized for its online legal document creation and legal advice subscriptions. While it offers valuable IP services, users have noted that the subscription model may not suit everyone, and some find the platform's navigation complex.

🥉 3. LegalShield

LegalShield has a Trustpilot rating of 4.4. It is known for offering legal subscription services and access to a network of law firms. Some users have reported difficulties in reaching their assigned attorneys and sometimes experience slow callback times.

🆓 Free Government Assistance

The U.S. Copyright Office offers free resources to assist individuals with copyright matters. They provide FAQs, circulars, and online tutorials, along with a Public Information Office for inquiries.

Legal aid organizations may also offer free or low-cost help regarding copyright issues.

🔎 What to Compare When Choosing a Service

  • 📈 User Ratings: Check Trustpilot scores and reviews.
  • 💡 Service Offerings: Look for the specific services that meet your needs.
  • ⏳ Processing Times: Understand how long registration may take.
  • 💰 Fees: Be aware of the costs associated with registration.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

❓ What is the importance of copyright registration?

Copyright registration provides legal recognition of your work and is necessary to pursue infringement claims in U.S. courts.

🎯 How long does copyright registration take?

The average processing time for copyright claims is approximately 2.5 months, depending on whether there is correspondence involved.

💼 Can I register a work created by someone else?

You can register a work created by another party if you have the rights to do so, such as through a licensing agreement.

📚 Are there any deadlines for registration?

While there is no deadline for registering a work, doing so within three months of publication is essential for claiming statutory damages and attorney's fees for works created for hire.

🛠️ What are the fees for copyright registration?

For electronic filing, fees range from $45 for a single author work to $95 for group registration for news websites. Paper filing fees are higher.

🌐 What resources are available for free legal help?

The U.S. Copyright Office offers free resources like FAQs and online tutorials. Some nonprofit organizations also provide low-cost legal assistance for copyright issues.

⚖️ Recent Cases Related to Copyright

Recent court rulings have highlighted ongoing issues within copyright law, particularly in the context of infringement and fair use. These cases connect directly to the topics discussed in this article regarding copyright registration and intellectual property rights.

You can browse more rulings on the news page to stay updated on recent developments in copyright law.

End of October 2026 Update





Rogers v.
Koons (960 F.2d 301) was a United States court case which focused on the
copyright infringement of a black and white photograph used in
greeting cards and other types of merchandise. The decision was important
because it focused on parody as a means of fair use. The United States Court of
Appeals for the Second Circuit found that copying a photograph without any
“clear need” to imitate the photograph can hold the infringer liable
for damages. The court decided that the photograph itself was not the specific
target of the parody because it was created as a 3D sculpture of the
photograph.


Background of the Case


Art Rogers, a professional photographer, took a
black and white photograph of a man and a woman with puppies in their arms to
be used in greeting cards and other various types of merchandise. The
photograph was entitled “Puppies”. When Jeff Koons, a famous artist,
saw the photograph, he decided to create a sculpture which would be based on
the photograph to be readied for an art show. Koons then removed the copyright
notice from the picture and gave it to his assistants to begin modeling the
picture for a sculpture.

Rogers v. Koons

According to
court reports, Koons asked his assists to copy as much detail as possible from
the photographs. The only changes that were made during the transition were
larger noses on the puppies, their fur was made blue, and the man and woman
were given flowers in their hair. The sculpture was named “String of
Puppies” and became a success for Jeff Koons, who was able to sell three
of the statues for $367,000.


Rogers, upon discovering that his work had been
reproduced into a sculpture, immediately took legal action against Koons and
the Sonnabend Gallery for copyright infringement. Although Koons had admitted
that he copied the work of Rogers, he used a fair use defense, claiming that
his sculpture was a parody of the original work.


A parody is a work created to mock or poke fun at
a work of original authorship and is legal under U.S. copyright law. The court,
however, disagreed with Koons, and ruled in favor of Rogers. They noted the
similarities between both works to be recognizable to the average eye,
concluding that the work was a copy of Rogers’ photograph. The court rejected
Koons’ claim of parody because it did not believe that Koons’ was commenting on
the photograph specifically and used the reproduction in another general art
form.