Positioning the United States Copyright Office for the Future: STRATEGIC PLAN 2016 - 2020United States Copyright OfficeUSCO_04598b70-1cd8-11e7-9e82-f16d6551e223The U.S. Copyright Office, directed by the Registerof Copyrights, is responsible for administering theNation's copyright laws.Maria A. PallanteUnited States Register of Copyrights,Director, U.S. Copyright Office -- The Register's many dutiesare prescribed in, and governed by, the CopyrightAct and related chapters of Title 17, and include anumber of public services as well as extensive legaland policy portfolios. The Register and her staff areimpartial advisors to the United States Congressand support the significant international workof the United States Government. Among otherdepartments, the Register works closely with theDepartments of Justice, Commerce, and State; theOffice of the United States Trade Representative;and the Office of the U.S. Intellectual PropertyEnforcement Coordinator.Department of JusticeDepartment of CommerceDepartment of StateOffice of the United States Trade RepresentativeOffice of the U.S. Intellectual Property Enforcement Coordinator_453551e6-1d47-11e7-8d5a-e48b6551e223To administer the Nation's copyright laws for the advancement of the public good; to offer services and support to authors and users of creative works; and to provide expert impartial assistance to Congress, the courts, and executive branch agencies on questions of copyright law and policy._453553bc-1d47-11e7-8d5a-e48b6551e223AdministrationAdminister the copyright laws of the United States effectively, efficiently, and skillfully for the benefit of authors and the public. _04599642-1cd8-11e7-9e82-f16d6551e2231AuthorsThe PublicOver the span of 225 years, U.S. copyright law has promoted the role of creative expression as a public good. It has taken us from the colonial printing press to the digital economy, from a country of books, maps, and charts, to a connected world of music, movies, images, and software. Today it is impossible to separate copyright law from the fabric of everyday life. It fuels entertainment, information, and innovation, and is, in the words of the Supreme Court, "the very engine of free expression."...The Copyright Office will prioritize objectives according to funding and staffingand announce opportunities for public participation.Original WorksAdminister a modern system for registering copyright interests in original worksof authorship._453554de-1d47-11e7-8d5a-e48b6551e2231.1PracticesEstablish new and updated practices to examine, register, and accurately document complex or emerging areas of authorship._453557cc-1d47-11e7-8d5a-e48b6551e2231.1.1Emerging FormatsAssess special issues relating to registration and deposit protocols for emergingforms of digital dissemination of works across the spectrum of creative industries, including software, photography and images, publishing, motion pictures, video games, and music._453558d0-1d47-11e7-8d5a-e48b6551e2231.1.1.1Policy & ProceduresIdentify and make appropriate changes to Office policy and procedures in response to statutory changes, judicial opinions, and emerging business standards._453559ca-1d47-11e7-8d5a-e48b6551e2231.1.1.2RulemakingUndertake new rulemakings, as appropriate, in accordance with these duties._45355ad8-1d47-11e7-8d5a-e48b6551e2231.1.1.3PendencyDecrease pendency times for examining applications and issuing registrations or refusals._45355bd2-1d47-11e7-8d5a-e48b6551e2231.1.2DocumentsAdminister a modern system for recording commercial and noncommercial copyright documents. _45355cd6-1d47-11e7-8d5a-e48b6551e2231.2Analysis & ProposalsDistill completed policy studies, technology reports, and public comments into acomprehensive business analysis and public proposal for a more efficient and useful recordation system._45355dda-1d47-11e7-8d5a-e48b6551e2231.2.1Requirements, Investments & ImplementationTranslate final business analysis into technical requirements, capital investmentestimates, and an implementation plan._45355ede-1d47-11e7-8d5a-e48b6551e2231.2.1.1ImprovementConvene industry working groups and advisors to ensure ongoing improvements and maximum benefit to marketplace initiatives._45355fe2-1d47-11e7-8d5a-e48b6551e2231.2.1.2Policies & PracticesModernize Office policies and practices to ensure clarity and reflect evolving issues._453560f0-1d47-11e7-8d5a-e48b6551e2231.2.2Signatures, Sensitivities, PII & StandardsExamine issues related to electronic signatures, commercially sensitive or redacted materials, personally identifiable information, and standards andtiming of agency review._45356208-1d47-11e7-8d5a-e48b6551e2231.2.2.1Commercial InstrumentsUpdate Office practices for recording commercial instruments, termination notices, and documents related to the term of protection._45356316-1d47-11e7-8d5a-e48b6551e2231.2.2.2RulemakingsUndertake new rulemakings, as appropriate, in accordance with these duties._45356474-1d47-11e7-8d5a-e48b6551e2231.2.2.3Statutory LicensesEfficiently and accurately administer statutory copyright licenses, including the legal review of royalty rate and distribution proceedings._4535658c-1d47-11e7-8d5a-e48b6551e2231.3RegulationsReview and update regulations to facilitate more streamlined processes and publish a new chapter on the Licensing Division in the Compendium of U.S. Copyright Office Practices, Third Edition._4535669a-1d47-11e7-8d5a-e48b6551e2231.3.1Filing & AccountingDevelop online filing capabilities and promote more efficient accounting practices under statutory licenses. _453568b6-1d47-11e7-8d5a-e48b6551e2231.3.2Legal Requirements, Exemptions & PracticesEffectively balance the legal requirements, exemptions, and practices formandatory deposit of published works._453569d8-1d47-11e7-8d5a-e48b6551e2231.4Library CollectionWork with Library of Congress acquisition experts to identify works and formats that are of interest and value to the national Library collection._45356ae6-1d47-11e7-8d5a-e48b6551e2231.4.1Library of CongressDeposit RulesCritically examine the statutory, regulatory, and practical scope of mandatory deposit rules._45356c12-1d47-11e7-8d5a-e48b6551e2231.4.2RevisionsAnalyze possible revisions to best edition requirements, demand for disseminated or unpublished formats, and preservation needs, incorporating public input._45356d34-1d47-11e7-8d5a-e48b6551e2231.4.2.1Security, Terms & ConditionsEvaluate issues relating to the security, terms, and conditions under which deposited works are made part of the Library's holdings and may be made available to the public._45356e4c-1d47-11e7-8d5a-e48b6551e2231.4.2.2Assignments, Priorities & GoalsAddress new statutory assignments, regulatory priorities, and strategic goals as necessary or desirable._45356f8c-1d47-11e7-8d5a-e48b6551e2231.5Assignments, Authorities & ResponsibilitiesAccept such new assignments, authorities, and responsibilities from Congress as it deems appropriate._453570ae-1d47-11e7-8d5a-e48b6551e2231.5.1CongressChallenges & SolutionsAdvance discussions regarding challenges and solutions to making copyright administration more efficient._453571da-1d47-11e7-8d5a-e48b6551e2231.5.2RecordsMake copyright records easily searchable and widely available to authors, entrepreneurs, and all who need them._4535731a-1d47-11e7-8d5a-e48b6551e2232AuthorsEntrepreneursCopyright Office records are essential to both copyright owners and those who wish to license or otherwise use their works. Records document such things as the scope of copyright, ownership, transactions, security interests, bequests of intellectual property, and the term or expiration of protection. This information can fuel any number of innovative business models if captured and organized properly and provided in a timely manner. Records also carry certain benefits and presumptions under the law...The Copyright Office will invite stakeholders to participate in prototypes and related strategies for records.Accessibility & UsabilityMake registrations, licenses, and other copyright records more accessible and useable to the global public._4535745a-1d47-11e7-8d5a-e48b6551e2232.1Metadata & IdentifiersWork with creative industries to formalize accepted metadata standards and increase use of unique identifiers in copyright records._45357586-1d47-11e7-8d5a-e48b6551e2232.1.1Creative IndustriesTools, Software & RegistriesAdvance use of innovative third-party tools, software programs, registries, and other business models that are interoperable with the Office's records and underlying data._453576da-1d47-11e7-8d5a-e48b6551e2232.1.2Online DatabaseExpand the number of records integrated into the online database of contemporary records._45357810-1d47-11e7-8d5a-e48b6551e2232.1.3ViewingEnable viewing of records that form the life-cycle of a copyright interest in a more cohesive and comprehensive fashion._45357946-1d47-11e7-8d5a-e48b6551e2232.2The PublicData IntegrationAdopt business strategies to facilitate integration of Office registration and recordation documentation to present a more comprehensive chain of title and useful master record for works._45357aae-1d47-11e7-8d5a-e48b6551e2232.2.1Search EngineEmploy a robust public records search engine that allows such features as faceted searching, saved searches, and unlimited results._45357bf8-1d47-11e7-8d5a-e48b6551e2232.2.2Pre-1978 RecordsMake pre-1978 copyright records available online._45357d24-1d47-11e7-8d5a-e48b6551e2232.3DigitizationComplete digitization of physical copyright records and archived copyright documents._45357e78-1d47-11e7-8d5a-e48b6551e2232.3.1SearchabilityMake records and documents searchable. _45357fae-1d47-11e7-8d5a-e48b6551e2232.3.2B2BShare business-to-business services data and connect public and private copyright records._453580ee-1d47-11e7-8d5a-e48b6551e2232.4ServicesWork with businesses to develop and offer new business-to-business services._45358242-1d47-11e7-8d5a-e48b6551e2232.4.1BusinessesIndustry RecordsBegin to incorporate industry records into Office databases or interrelate Office records with third-party registries and databases to expand the usefulness of Office records. _45358382-1d47-11e7-8d5a-e48b6551e2232.4.2Customer ServicesInclude comprehensive search reports and timely inspection._453584c2-1d47-11e7-8d5a-e48b6551e2232.5TrackingImprove tracking capabilities to locate records and deposits on site and off site._4535865c-1d47-11e7-8d5a-e48b6551e2232.5.1Staffing & ProcessesRealign staffing and work processes to meet customer deadlines and other needs. _453587a6-1d47-11e7-8d5a-e48b6551e2232.5.2AssistanceProvide impartial expert assistance to Congress, executive branch agencies, and the courts on questions of copyright law and policy._453588f0-1d47-11e7-8d5a-e48b6551e2233CongressExecutive Branch AgenciesCourtsThe Copyright Office has deep expertise in all facets of domestic copyright law and policy, as well as foreign copyright laws, international copyright treaties, and trade agreements. Experts in the Office regularly interpret the law, as enacted by Congress, and provide nuanced assistance across the government regarding complex or emerging areas of policy. The Copyright Office has provided impartial advice to Congress for 120 years...The Copyright Office will seek public comments on studies and rulemakingsas they are conducted.InterpretationsWork closely with Members of Congress regarding interpretation of the Copyright Act and domestic and international policy issues._45358a58-1d47-11e7-8d5a-e48b6551e2233.1Members of CongressAdviceProvide ongoing advice regarding new or emerging areas of copyright policy._45358ba2-1d47-11e7-8d5a-e48b6551e2233.1.1Studies & RecommendationsPrepare expert policy studies and recommendations for the benefit of the public._45358cf6-1d47-11e7-8d5a-e48b6551e2233.1.2The PublicConversationsEngage in and lead public conversations on legal and practical aspects of copyright law._45358f30-1d47-11e7-8d5a-e48b6551e2233.1.3The PublicExecutive Branch AgenciesSupport to executive branch agencies regarding the interpretation of nationalcopyright laws and the trade and treaty obligations of the United States._4535908e-1d47-11e7-8d5a-e48b6551e2233.2Executive Branch AgenciesDelegationsParticipate in and advise official United States Government delegations._453591e2-1d47-11e7-8d5a-e48b6551e2233.2.1United States Government DelegationsMeetings & NegotiationsEnsure appropriate attendance at international copyright meetings and negotiations._4535934a-1d47-11e7-8d5a-e48b6551e2233.2.2Assistance & ExpertiseProvide timely assistance and subject matter expertise to agencies and public officials, including in relation to litigation and intergovernmental negotiations._4535949e-1d47-11e7-8d5a-e48b6551e2233.2.3AgenciesPublic OfficialsCourtsProvide support to the courts regarding the interpretation of the Copyright Act and other provisions of Title 17._453595fc-1d47-11e7-8d5a-e48b6551e2233.3CourtsRegistrationProvide timely and expert advice to courts in registration-related matters and other cases._4535976e-1d47-11e7-8d5a-e48b6551e2233.3.1Practices & ReasoningMaintain an up-to-date Compendium of U.S. Copyright Office Practices to assist courts with understanding the Office's practices and reasoning._453598d6-1d47-11e7-8d5a-e48b6551e2233.3.2Services, Programs, Publications & ResourcesDeliver outstanding information services, educational programs, authoritative publications, and other expert resources to individuals, businesses, and other organizations._45359a34-1d47-11e7-8d5a-e48b6551e2234IndividualsBusinessesThe Copyright Office maintains a public hotline, offers educational programs, and maintains critical authoritative publications including a dynamic website, the Compendium of U.S. Copyright Office Practices, agency testimony, rulemakings, and public comments. As copyright law becomes more complex and more ubiquitous in modern life, the Office will need to expand these critical support services...The Copyright Office will invite stakeholder input on website improvements.ServicesExpand and improve support services for customers._45359bba-1d47-11e7-8d5a-e48b6551e2234.1Registration & RecordationImprove the web interface to make registration and recordation filings more intuitive and more customized for applicants._45359d18-1d47-11e7-8d5a-e48b6551e2234.1.1Time ZonesImprove customer support across time zones._45359e76-1d47-11e7-8d5a-e48b6551e2234.1.2Multimedia, Interactivity & Digital ToolsUtilize multimedia, interactive, and other digital tools to assist customers with forms and filings._4535a010-1d47-11e7-8d5a-e48b6551e2234.1.3ParticipationImprove participation of stakeholders in Office meetings, programs, rulemakings, and other public proceedings by exploring the possibility of satellite office space in strategic regions of the United States. _4535a178-1d47-11e7-8d5a-e48b6551e2234.1.4WebsiteOffer dynamic content on a state-of-the-art website._4535a2e0-1d47-11e7-8d5a-e48b6551e2234.2copyright.govRenovate the underlying architecture of copyright.gov._4535a470-1d47-11e7-8d5a-e48b6551e2234.2.1Publications & MaterialsImprove the organization and accessibility of the Office's publications and authoritative materials._4535a5f6-1d47-11e7-8d5a-e48b6551e2234.2.2TransactionsInvest in web capabilities that support swift and secure transactions._4535a768-1d47-11e7-8d5a-e48b6551e2234.2.3Comments & ParticipationImprove web interface for filing public comments and participation in public processes._4535a902-1d47-11e7-8d5a-e48b6551e2234.2.4EducationExtend the reach of educational programming regarding copyright issuesto a wider national and international audience._4535aa74-1d47-11e7-8d5a-e48b6551e2234.3TrainingExpand existing training programs such as Copyright Academy courses and public seminars._4535abe6-1d47-11e7-8d5a-e48b6551e2234.3.1InitiativesCreate new educational initiatives for authors, schools, libraries, other organizations, and businesses._4535adda-1d47-11e7-8d5a-e48b6551e2234.3.2AuthorsSchoolsLibrariesBusinessesProgramsConduct enhanced programs for domestic and international audiences, building on existing initiatives such as Copyright Matters and the International Copyright Institute._4535af56-1d47-11e7-8d5a-e48b6551e2234.3.3Expert ResourcesPublish and disseminate expert resources for the use of authors, copyright owners, and the public._4535b0c8-1d47-11e7-8d5a-e48b6551e2234.4AuthorsCopyright OwnersThe PublicRevisionsPrepare and publish authoritative revisions to the Compendium of U.S. Copyright Office Practices, Third Edition, the Fair Use Index, and other resources._4535b26c-1d47-11e7-8d5a-e48b6551e2234.4.1Web, Newsletters & AidsImprove web materials, newsletters, and other aids regarding copyright law and Office practices._4535b3e8-1d47-11e7-8d5a-e48b6551e2234.4.2Social Media & Audio-Visual ToolsExpand the use of social media and audio-visual tools to reach more members of the public regarding the activities of the Office and issues of public interest.authors, copyright owners, and the public._4535b65e-1d47-11e7-8d5a-e48b6551e2234.4.3Members of the PublicLaw & Legislative HistoryAdd new resources regarding copyright law and legislative history. _4535b80c-1d47-11e7-8d5a-e48b6551e2234.4.4TechnologyBuild a robust and flexible technology enterprise that is dedicated to the current and future needs of a modern copyright agency._4535b992-1d47-11e7-8d5a-e48b6551e2235A robust, responsive, and highly secure enterprise architecture will be the backbone of a modern Copyright Office. Systems should inspire confidence and encourage participation in day-to-day services and transactions. Custom search tools should yield quick, authoritative results. In short, technology should support all aspects of the Copyright Office's mission and adapt to evolving needs...The Copyright Office is developing a detailed IT plan with the assistance of a consulting firm. The Office will seek public comments on specific strategies, costs, and timelines for technology objectives.Enterprise Architecture & InfrastructureSupport high availability, high performance, and highly secure services that integrate cloud and mobile technologies._4535bb18-1d47-11e7-8d5a-e48b6551e2235.1HostingAnalyze requirements for premium on-premises and off-premises hosting solutions for copyright systems._4535bcd0-1d47-11e7-8d5a-e48b6551e2235.1.1Standards, Architectures & Cloud ServicesAdopt industry technology standards, architectures, and cloud services that will offer compatibility with current and future technologies._4535be56-1d47-11e7-8d5a-e48b6551e2235.1.2EngagementExpand engagement with copyright owners and other customers regarding such topics as security requirements for data exchange and storage of copyright deposits in the Offices care._4535bfe6-1d47-11e7-8d5a-e48b6551e2235.1.3Copyright OwnersCopyright CustomersAcquisition & ManagementEmploy sound policies for the acquisition and management of technology investments._4535c1b2-1d47-11e7-8d5a-e48b6551e2235.2ProceduresStrengthen the procedures for proposing, reviewing, and finalizing technology investments from across the Copyright Office._4535c356-1d47-11e7-8d5a-e48b6551e2235.2.1Charter & ProtocolsRefine the charter and protocols for submitting proposals to the Copyright Office CIO, ensuring a comprehensive review of key elements, including costs, life-cycle, and implementation._4535c4f0-1d47-11e7-8d5a-e48b6551e2235.2.1.1Strategic AlignmentImplement governance practices that ensure adherence to, and alignment with, the Copyright Office Strategic Plan._4535c6b2-1d47-11e7-8d5a-e48b6551e2235.2.3RecruitmentRecruit a diverse pool of legal, technology, and business experts, including a dedicated career staff, non-career professionals, contractors, and advisory committees._4535c842-1d47-11e7-8d5a-e48b6551e2236Legal ExpertsTechnology ExpertsBusiness ExpertsIt will take the combined efforts of government leaders and private sector talent to create a lean, nimble, results-driven, and future-focused Copyright Office. The Office will call upon experts in the legal, technology, and business fields to complement its work and provide services through advisory roles, special programs, and partnerships...The Copyright Office will create and seek to fill a variety of opportunities, in accordancewith priorities and funding.Strategic AlignmentAlign business units and career positions with the Office's priorities._4535c9e6-1d47-11e7-8d5a-e48b6551e2236.1IT TeamBuild a qualified team of technology professionals to manage enterprise systems and projects on a dedicated basis with focused training in, and accountability to, copyright systems._4535cbc6-1d47-11e7-8d5a-e48b6551e2236.1.1PositionsAlign resources to create new positions to ensure necessary expertise in law, business, and copyright administration._4535cd74-1d47-11e7-8d5a-e48b6551e2236.1.2Training & Career DevelopmentStrengthen resources and programs for expert training and career development at all levels._4535cf0e-1d47-11e7-8d5a-e48b6551e2236.1.3Incentives & Work-Life BalanceImplement work-life balance and other retention incentives for qualified staff and potential leaders._4535d0e4-1d47-11e7-8d5a-e48b6551e2236.2Telework & Job-SharingExpand telework options and job-share programs._4535d292-1d47-11e7-8d5a-e48b6551e2236.2.1Education, Awards & DistinctionsExpand education support, awards, and distinctions._4535d42c-1d47-11e7-8d5a-e48b6551e2236.2.2Development & EmploymentShort-term and supplementary programs will develop and employ untapped resources._4535d616-1d47-11e7-8d5a-e48b6551e2236.3ProgramsStrengthen the ongoing viability of programs for early career professionals, scholars in residence, student interns, and academic partnerships with law schools and universities._4535d7c4-1d47-11e7-8d5a-e48b6551e2236.3.1Early Career ProfessionalsScholars in ResidenceStudent InternsAcademic PartnersLaw SchoolsUniversitiesContractor SupportStrategically utilize qualified contractor support, as appropriate, to meet targeted needs. _4535d968-1d47-11e7-8d5a-e48b6551e2236.3.2ContractorsCommittees & AdvisorsEmpower special committees and advisory circles that include public sector and private sector experts to inform the work of the office._4535dbb6-1d47-11e7-8d5a-e48b6551e2236.4Benchmarks & StandardsIncrease work with industries on technology benchmarks and standards._4535de04-1d47-11e7-8d5a-e48b6551e2236.4.1MeetingsExpand regular meetings with legal and business advisors from the nonprofit, public sector, and private sector._4535dfb2-1d47-11e7-8d5a-e48b6551e2236.4.2Legal AdvisorsBusiness Advisors2015-12-012020-12-312017-04-09https://www.copyright.gov/reports/strategic-plan/USCO-strategic.pdfOwenAmburOwen.Ambur@verizon.net