Photographers could register up to 3,000 photos per application

The Copyright Office would allow one application and one fee for a group of photographs. Groups could contain up to 3,000 photos. The office would set group-size tiers and raise the limit as technology makes registration more efficient. Each group must contain only photographs by the same individual author, identify every photo, and have a group title. Groups could include photos regardless of whether or when they were published or created.

Visual artists could file for registration while postponing the Copyright Office’s examination of their work. This option would cover pictures, graphics, and sculptures. Applicants would electronically submit an application and deposit the required copies with the Copyright Office or an eligible photo registry. The filing fee would be capped at half the standard fee. Applicants with a paid registration subscription would owe no separate filing fee for applications submitted during its term. A copyright owner or exclusive-right holder could later request examination by paying the applicable fee. Rules would be due within 180 days after enactment. Registration would take effect on the date the required application, copies, and any required filing fee are submitted.

Visual artists would submit one complete electronic copy for registration and be exempt from Section 407’s separate requirement to submit copies. The electronic-copy rule would cover pictures, graphics, and sculptures. Depositing a photo with a certified registry would satisfy registration copy requirements. The registry rules and registry deposit option would not apply if the head of the Copyright Office certifies compliance with the required online application system. That system would work with software commonly used by professional creators and automatically fill applications with submitted copies and information.

The Copyright Office would offer reduced fees and registration subscriptions. Reduced fees would apply to individual authors and small businesses. Yearly and periodic subscriptions would cover registration of pictures, graphics, and sculptures. An active paid subscription would cover filing fees for copyright registration, updates to registration records, and deferred registration applications submitted during its term. The Copyright Office would set and adjust subscription prices under its fee-setting rules. Rules for subscriptions would be due within 180 days after enactment.