There has been some recent news regarding copyright registration for news websites that frequently update with current events and other materials. The U.S. Copyright Office recently issued a new rule authorizing a group registration option for news websites that could alleviate some of the copyright management burdens for media companies with qualifying works. Learn more about this new copyright rule for group registration below, and how our trusted copyright registration attorneys can help with submitting an application.
As of July 22, 2024, the U.S. Copyright Office allows group registration of updates to a news website made within the same calendar month. The aim of this new registration option is to lessen the expense and burdens of news media companies that want to properly protect their online news works without having to continually register everything on their website.
The new copyright rule allows news media companies to register their works produced in a month as a collective work, which is a registration option that has long existed for other mediums, such as print newspapers. Previously, website updates were limited to the standard application that did not allow for multiple submissions of work within the same application.
Eligibility for this new group registration is limited to news websites which the U.S. Copyright Office’s Final Rule defines as a site that serves as a primary source of written information on current events that are not limited to any specific subject matter. The current events can include local, national, or international scopes. The collective works in the group must consist of works made for hire, meaning the author and claimant must be the same person or organization. Additionally, the updates must come from the same URL and have been published within the same calendar month.
Group registration for copyright of a news website update can be done through the submission of an application and the filing of a deposit in the electronic Copyright Office (eCO) registration portal. The deposit must contain identifying material of the news website updates through PDF files that include a complete copy of the home page.
The PDF files must also show how the home page appeared at specific points throughout the calendar month to demonstrate adequate selection, coordination, and arrangement to qualify as a collective work. Along with submission of necessary materials, applicants must also pay the $95 filing fee required by the Copyright Office.
The availability of group registration for updates to news websites should be an administrative relief for journalists and online news publisher that frequently update their site with new material. Copyright registration is an important tool for protecting the value of your work by establishing known ownership through the U.S. Copyright Office. Registering your work also enables you to file an IP lawsuit against those with infringing uses and to pursue related damages from the infringement.
For help with a group registration of updates to a news website or for help with an infringement claim, consult with our experienced intellectual property lawyers today.
