Copyright Office Implements Mass Registration For Short Online Literary Works

Highlights

• The new Group Registration for Short Online Literary Works (GRTX) permits up to 50 short online literary works to be registered simultaneously

• GRTX permits a single registration certificate, at a much lower cost than previously

• GRTX applies to online content only, such as articles, blogs and social media posts

The United States Copyright Office recently implemented a new group registration process for registering multiple, short online literary works under a single copyright registration. 

This process – referred to as Group Registration for Short Online Literary Works (GRTX) – is designed for those who regularly publish content online, such as articles, blogs and social media posts; but not the likes of emails, podcasts or audiobooks. 

The new GRTX can include between two and 50 works within a single $65 copyright application. The process offers a significant cost savings, as previously 50 works would cost more than $3,000 in application fees.

The GRTX requirements include the following: 

1. the works need to be first published online (or simultaneously with a physical form publication)

2. the works must have been published during the same three-month period

3. the works must be between 50 and 17,500 words

4. the works may not be works made for hire

5. the GRTX registration only applies to the text of the short literary work

If registration is granted, the holder will receive a single registration certificate and registration number for the entire group of works.

Law clerk Nick Rivera contributed to this alert.