Here’s a March 6 story from Bowker, the people that bring us ISBNs, about a new Supreme Court ruling that affects all copyright owners.
U. S. Supreme Court Ruling Affects all Copyright Owners
by Judy Andrea
Bowker | Wed Mar 6, 2019
The U.S. Supreme Court ruled that in order for a copyright owner to enforce protection for their work and sue for infringement… the infringed work must have been registered with the U.S. Copyright Office (i.e., Issuance of a Certificate) and that a mere application for registration will not suffice.
The ruling makes it even more imperative that copyright owners register their works promptly if they wish to enforce their rights — on top of the already considerable financial incentives that a U.S. copyright provides for registered works, including recovery of attorney fees and up to $150,000 in statutory damages for early registrations. Since it may take up to 9+ months to receive a certificate of registration, an author or creator of books, photos, illustrations, audio or video should immediately start the registration process — even before it is published.
While expedited registration remains available to copyright claimants for a fee, the Court’s new ruling is most likely to impact copyright holders for whom a delay of even a few weeks in bringing suit could prove irreparable — particularly those seeking temporary restraining orders or other preliminary injunctive relief.
Author
One of my favorite things about BAIPA is its culture of generosity, the willingness — even eagerness — to share what we have each learned in the process of bringing stories to life. We provide educational programs, networking, marketing opportunities, encouragement, and information on industry vendors and services. And lots of one-on-one advice and mentoring.
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Do join us!
—Becky Parker Geist, BAIPA Board of Directors, President
Quick Resources
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