Honoring Rob Kasunic: A Career Devoted to Copyright Law and Policy
On September 2, the U.S. Copyright Office (USCO) marked the close of an era, announcing the retirement of Robert (Rob) Kasunic following 25 years of dedicated service. Over the course of a quarter century, Rob became a driving force behind some of the Office’s most significant achievements, including leading the Copyright Registration Program, overseeing the Compendium of Copyright Office Practices (third edition), and charting new ground by developing a registration policy for works created with artificial intelligence (AI).
As if these accomplishments aren’t enough, Rob was also significantly involved in modernizing and clarifying copyright registration regulations, including revisions dealing with unpublished collections, collective works, unit of publication, designated agent regulations, and updating public record practices.
Importantly, Rob played key roles in several copyright‐law and policy processes relating to digital works and the internet, including being the primary attorney in charge of the triennial Section 1201 rulemaking processes under the DMCA; assisting in development of the Copyright Office’s Orphan Works Report; and contributing to government positions in high-profile copyright litigation before U.S. Courts of Appeals and the Supreme Court.
There’s no doubt that these broad ranging initiatives were not at all easy. But there was no job too big (or too small) for Rob. I recall that one of the first efforts we worked on together after I joined the Copyright Alliance in the fall of 2015 was coordinating to create a series of copyright questions and answers to post on our website to help educate individual creators on different aspects of copyright law and registration. He was incredibly thoughtful and meticulous about undertaking this request and the answers he provided have been a huge assistance to many creators over the years.
Beyond his work at the Copyright Office, Rob has taught copyright law for nearly 30 years, serving as an adjunct professor at Georgetown University Law Center and American University’s Washington College of Law. And he is an active writer and speaker, having authored countless articles and delivered presentations and lectures across the copyright community.
And when he wasn’t directly serving the copyright community, Rob helped to establish the Copyright Society House band, Crude Humble and Obvious, which plays at various receptions and conferences and is comprised of IP attorneys and other industry professionals.
Rob Kasunic’s legacy is defined not only by the many initiatives he spearheaded at the U.S. Copyright Office during his long tenure, but also by his unwavering commitment to ensuring that copyright law continues to evolve in ways that protect and empower creators. Through his leadership, scholarship, and teaching, he has left an indelible mark on the field, shaping policy for the digital age while inspiring generations of law students, colleagues, and advocates. In sum, his career stands as a testament to a life dedicated to advancing copyright law and strengthening the creative community it serves. So, on behalf of the Copyright Alliance and creators across the country, I share my thanks with Rob for all that he has contributed as well as for a legacy that will continue to live on.
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