Copyright Office Proposes Bulk News Website Registration
Published Date: 5/28/2026
Proposed Rule
Summary
The U.S. Copyright Office wants to make it easier for news websites to register their updates all at once by tweaking the rules about what counts as a 'news website.' This change affects news publishers who can save time and money by filing one application for a whole month of updates. If you want to share your thoughts, you’ve got until June 29, 2026, to speak up!
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Broader eligibility for niche news sites
If you run a news website, the Copyright Office proposes changing the definition of “news website” so sites that focus on defined subject areas can qualify. Under the proposal a news website need only (1) report on a variety of subjects, (2) be primarily designed to report on current events, and (3) be updated frequently.
Maintain monthly group registration option
The Copyright Office’s group registration option lets a news publisher register a month of website updates with one application and one filing fee. The proposed amendment preserves that monthly group registration process while clarifying which sites qualify.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
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