Copyright Office Streamlining DMCA Exemptions

The Copyright Office intends to renew 14 exemptions previously granted for rules banning access to copyrighted works in an expedited procedure kicking off the office's seventh triennial review of Digital Millennium Copyright Act rules, said a notice in Thursday's Federal Register. The 14 exemptions (see 1709150048) weren't controversial, dealing with issues such as allowing visually impaired people to employ audio services to listen to a book, Copyright Alliance CEO Keith Kupferschmid told us. "This is the first time they’re using this approach," he said, saying it increases efficiency in the rulemaking process. CO is seeking comment on 23 petitions to renew existing exemptions in the NPRM that solicits three rounds of comments. Initial comments are due Dec. 18; response comments Feb. 12; replies March 14. Public hearings will be in Washington, D.C., April 9 and in California with a date and location to be determined.