Authors Alliance congratulates Shira Perlmutter on her appointment as the Register of Copyrights and director of the U.S. Copyright Office.

Earlier this year, in response to the Librarian of Congress’ request for public input, Authors Alliance emphasized the importance of appointing a Register who is willing to take into account the diversity of viewpoints among creative communities. Ms. Perlmutter’s record gives us confidence that she will do just that by bringing an open-minded and balanced approach to her new role.

While at the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, Ms. Perlmutter co-led a task force charged with consulting a wide range of stakeholders and drafting a White Paper on Remixes, First Sale, and Statutory Damages. The white paper recognized the importance of fair use in allowing remix culture to thrive, recommended amendments to the Copyright Act to address concerns with excessive and inconsistent statutory damages awards, and acknowledged library concerns with e-book licensing agreements. Ms. Perlmutter also co-led the U.S. delegation that negotiated the Marrakesh Treaty, which created a set of mandatory limitations and exceptions for the benefit of blind, visually impaired, and otherwise print disabled readers, helping authors’ works to reach a wider audience around the world in accessible forms. As a supporter of the importance of limitations and exceptions, statutory damages reform, and library lending practices, Authors Alliance is heartened that Ms. Perlmutter’s record reflects a nuanced consideration of stakeholder input.

We look forward to working with Ms. Perlmutter to promote a fair and balanced copyright ecosystem and to supporting the Office’s plans to modernize its registration and recordation infrastructure.