U.S. Copyright Office Shutdown: What Creators Need to Know About Registration Delays

The federal government shutdown has brought operations at the U.S. Copyright Office to a near standstill, leaving creators, publishers, and businesses at a standstill regarding the protection of their intellectual property.

Copyright Registration Status: What’s Still Working (and What Isn’t)

The good news? The Copyright Office’s electronic filing system remains operational and continues to accept submissions. However, that’s where the functionality ends for now.

Currently unavailable:

• Application processing and review
• Certificate issuance
• Public services and general inquiries
• Certified copy requests
• Recordation services
• In-person office access
• Staff correspondence

Applications submitted during the shutdown will receive a date of receipt but will sit unprocessed until normal operations resume. Think of it as sending a letter that gets timestamped but not opened.

Why Your Copyright Filing Date Still Matters During the Shutdown

Despite the processing freeze, creators should continue submitting online registration applications if they have pending projects. Here’s why: your filing date is preserved when you submit, even if the application isn’t reviewed for weeks or months.

This timestamp can be crucial for establishing priority in copyright disputes and may affect your eligibility for statutory damages and attorney’s fees in infringement cases.

Copyright Infringement Lawsuits: Potential Impact on Enforcement

The shutdown creates a particularly thorny situation for those planning legal action. Many copyright infringement lawsuits require an active registration before proceeding to court. With examination and certificate issuance on hold, enforcement actions may need to be delayed until the Copyright Office reopens.

Rights holders involved in active disputes or planning litigation should consult with legal counsel about their specific situations and timelines.

Copyright Office Backlog: What Happens Next

When federal funding is restored, the Copyright Office will resume full operations and begin working through the accumulated backlog. However, the processing delays could extend well beyond the shutdown itself, depending on how long operations remain suspended and how many applications pile up in the interim.

For now, creators should continue protecting their filing dates through electronic submissions while preparing for an extended wait on actual registrations. Stay informed through official Copyright Office channels for updates on when normal operations will resume.

Note: This situation is evolving. For the most current information, visit the U.S. Copyright Office website once updates resume.