US Copyright Office set to RAISE FEES in early 2013

The US Copyright Office is planning to raise the cost for filing a claim to register works for copyright registration early next year.  So, you have plenty of time (a good 3 months) to make the most of the current $35 copyright registration fee.

A $10 fee increase has been proposed for single authors filing an online registration for a single work of their own.  And a slightly higher fee increase of $30 has been proposed for works made for hire (ie companies and entities that own and register works of others including employees)

US Copyright Office Registration (*proposed new fees in 2013)

• 1 author, 1 work (same claimant not a work made for hire, eCO filing).. now-$35/New fee* $45
• All other claims eCO filing (including work for hire) .. now-$35/New fee* $64
• Forms PA, SR, TX, VA, SE (paper filing) .. now-$65/New fee* $100

The US Copyright Office explains that these proposed fee increases are necessary to cover a higher percentage of registration costs, while still being in line with its mission to keep the copyright registration accessible and affordable.  To be honest, I think it makes sense.  I appreciate the cost being lower for artists, writers, musicians and creators registering their own work.

Click here for the entire chart of the US Copyright Office’s Schedule of Proposed Fees.  From now through 5:00pm EST on May 14, 2012 the US Copyright Office is accepting comments on the proposed fee schedules athttp://www.copyright.gov/docs/newfees/comments/

Take advantage of the $35 registration fee while you can!  (you’ve got the rest of 2012!)