Earlier this year, the copyright office finalized the plan to modernize the process for registering your DMCA Agent. Registration offers important protections for all operators of online service providers. This includes you if you have a website, blog, podcast or other online presence. Operators of sites with a registered DMCA Agent can benefit from a “safe harbor” providing immunity from certain kinds of infringement suits if they comply with some basic protocols. I wrote about this several years ago here (https://firemark.com/2015/07/10/have-you-filed-your-dmca-agent-designation/).
How to Register (Do-it-yourself)
The new process is very simple, is handled online (https://www.copyright.gov/dmca-directory/), and unlike the old system costs only $6. Also unlike the old system, your registration will now need to be renewed every three years.
Copyright Office is Issuing Reminders
Recently, the Copyright Office began sending reminders to Agents registered under the old system
The text of official notice can be seen here.
Some of my clients who’ve received this have asked whether this is a real email from the Copyright Office.
Have no fear. It is real. The Copyright Office has announced that it will be sending these notices several times before the end of the year.
You should still be careful about email notices
But, given recent data breaches in the news, it is worthwhile to be vigilant about any notices asking you to provide business data or payments. Be sure you’re visiting legitimate government websites, and only make payments through the copyright office payment system. If you’re unsure about it, contact me for help figuring out the authenticity of any notice you’ve received.
And remember, you will need to complete the online registration by December 31, 2017, and renew it every three years, to continue to enjoy the valuable protections of the DMCA safe harbor.
Need help? Contact me now!
