VACRA
Sponsored By: Senator Sen. Blackburn, Marsha [R-TN]
Introduced
Summary
Modernize visual copyright registration. This bill would rewrite how pictorial, graphic, and sculptural works get registered to make filings digital, cheaper, and more interoperable.
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- Artists and creators would no longer have to submit a “best edition” paper deposit for pictures and sculptures and would instead provide an electronic deposit. They could use deferred registration that is effective on submission and ask Customs to recognize pending filings for import enforcement. Group registration would allow one application for up to 3,000 photographs.
- Photographers and registry operators would be able to run certified third-party photo registries that must collect author and owner names, owner contact information, creation date, first upload date, and title. Those registries must provide a free secure searchable database, transfer records to other registries on request, and exchange data with the Copyright Office.
- The Copyright Office would add a deferred registration fee of up to half the standard fee and could offer subscription pricing for pictorial, graphic, and sculptural works so subscribers can file multiple registrations without extra per-file fees. The Office would also be required to provide an interoperable public interface that works with common professional software.
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.
Subscription and lower registration fees
This bill would change how the Copyright Office sets registration prices. The Register must create yearly and periodic registration subscriptions within 180 days so paid subscribers could file covered registrations without paying a separate section 408 fee during their subscription. The fee for filing a deferred registration would be capped at no more than one-half of the standard filing fee. The Office would also be directed to offer reduced fees for individual authors and small businesses and to consider creators' ability to afford registration when setting fees.
New registration options for visual creators
This bill would add new ways to register and deposit visual art. You would be able to file a deferred registration for pictorial, graphic, and sculptural works, with rules the Copyright Office must write within 180 days. The submission date would be the registration date for many purposes, including some Customs enforcement. Photographers could register up to 3,000 photos on one application and fee, and deposits may be made to certified third‑party photo registries that must keep files, metadata, and provide free searchable access. For U.S. pictorial, graphic, or sculptural works made after March 1, 1989, the bill would require one complete electronic copy deposit, and the Office must retain electronic deposits. The Copyright Office would also have to make its public interface interoperable with common creator software so tools can send files and data automatically.
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Sponsors & CoSponsors
Sponsor
Sen. Blackburn, Marsha [R-TN]
TN • R
Cosponsors
Peter Welch
VT • D
Sponsored 12/17/2025
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
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