Last month, the Copyright Office issued a final rule governing the designation of agents to receive notifications of claimed infringement under the Digital Millennium Copyright Act ("DMCA"). To help streamline the process, the Copyright office created a new, electronic filing system so that brands and advertisers can efficiently submit and update their designated agent. The online process is open for filing today.
Any company that has previously filed a designated agent form with the Copyright Office will have until December 31, 2017 to submit a new form electronically through the new online registration system. As part of the transition, the public directory of designated agents will be phased out on December 31, 2017. Until that time, an accurate designation in the old paper-generated directory will continue to satisfy the company's obligations under the DMCA.
TAKEAWAY: Don't panic! Advertisers may start updating their policies at the copyright office starting today. Companies will not lose their status, but they will need to update their records with the Copyright office before December 2017.
This article is presented for informational purposes only and is not intended to constitute legal advice.
