Expedite Pending Copyright Application

Full Question: If an author has a pending application with the Copyright Office, and now needs to expedite the process, can they do this?

Answer: Yes. After an application for registration has been filed, it is possible to request special handling for that application if it is awaiting review or “in-process.” The applicant or their agent must pay an hourly search fee to locate the application and deposit and must pay the standard special handling fee of $800. Converting a claim to special handling will ensure that the claim is reviewed within five business days after the Office locates the application and deposit. For further information, please see Compendium (Third) ¤ 623.

Answered by:

Rob Kasunic, Director of Registration Policy and Practices at the U.S. Copyright Office