Issue 301 -November 22, 2006

Classes of Works Subject to Exemption from Prohibition against Circumvention Announced

The Librarian of Congress, on the recommendation of the Register of Copyrights, has announced the classes of works subject to the exemption from the prohibition in 17 U.S.C. section 1201(a)(1) against circumvention of technological measures that control access to copyrighted works. Persons making noninfringing uses of six classes of works will not be subject to the prohibition against circumventing access controls during the next three years. The regulatory text, the recommendation of the Register of Copyrights, and the statement of the Librarian of Congress may be found on the Copyright Office website.

The regulation should be published in the Federal Register on Monday, November 27, 2006.

Copyright Office Extends Deadline for Reply Comments to Section 111 Notice of Inquiry

The Copyright Office is extending the time in which reply comments can be filed in response to its Notice of Inquiry regarding the retransmission of digital television broadcast signals by cable operators under section 111 of the Copyright Act. The deadline has been extended by 14 days, and is now December 18, 2006. (Read further information.)