Highlights from the U.S. Copyright Office Public Records System Modernization Webinar on August 1, 2024

The U.S. Copyright Office held a webinar on the modernization of the Copyright Public Records System (“CPRS”) on August 1, 2024. The event was hosted to share tips for searching the new copyright search system, after which was open for questions and answers, which have been summarized below.

A recording of the webinar is available on the U.S. Copyright Office YouTube channel.

Highlighted Questions

When will the CPRS system officially launch?

The new, improved search system is currently operating as a pilot program. The full program will replace the current Public Catalog search when it launches officially in 2025

Will older (before 1978) physical copyright records be available in CPRS?

The final search program will contain fully digitized paper copyright records filed before 1978 that currently require on-site physical access at the U.S. Copyright Office in Washington D.C. for access.

Will deposits be viewable on the CPRS system?

A deposit copy of a work submitted to the Copyright Office with registration. Deposit copies of works for registered copyrights will not be viewable in the CPRS system. However, deposit copies are still available under limited circumstances described in U.S. Copyright Office Circular 6.

Can the information from the CPRS be relied on for accurate information before the official launch?

The pilot system does not replace or supersede any current programs as the authoritative source for Copyright Office records and registration until it goes into full production next year. The available pilot search is a live, updated system that provides real-time data like the existing online catalog.

Will foreign works be included in the CPRS database?

The CPRS is set to contain U.S. Copyright registrations, including those registered by foreign authors. However, the CPRS system will not include works by foreign authors that are only registered in another country because such works are unregistered foreign works in the U.S.