Perlmutter To Lead U.S. Copyright Office

• Librarian of Congress Carla Hayden announced the appointment of Shira Perlmutter as the 14th Register of Copyrights and Director of the U.S. Copyright Office. “Shira brings to this role a deep knowledge of domestic and international copyright law and policy and a background in negotiating international intellectual property agreements,” Hayden said. “She has experience working with a wide range of stakeholders and finding common ground on complex issues.” Since 2012 Perlmutter has served as Chief Policy Officer and Director for International Affairs at the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), working in all areas of intellectual property, including copyright.

“I’m honored to have the opportunity to lead the U.S. Copyright Office during its 150th year,” said Perlmutter, who will assume her new role in late October. “I look forward to working with Dr. Hayden and rejoining the dedicated staff of the Copyright Office on its mission of promoting the creation and dissemination of works of authorship to the benefit of the American public.” Maria Strong, who has served as acting Register since January 2020, will return to her position as Associate Register of Copyrights for Policy and International Affairs.

In response to Perlmutter’s appointment, Mitch Glazier, Chairman & CEO of the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), said, “The Recording Industry Association of America congratulates Shira Perlmutter on her appointment as the Fourteenth U.S. Register of Copyrights, and applauds Dr. Carla Hayden, the Librarian of Congress, on an outstanding choice. No one knows more about copyright than Shira. In her long career of public service and scholarship, Register Perlmutter has consistently worked to promote understanding and progress in copyright law and has established herself as a preeminent authority. Her previous leadership experiences in academia and the private sector, along with her appointments at the U.S. Copyright Office, the World Intellectual Property Organization, and the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office will prove especially valuable in an increasingly interconnected global digital world. We also extend our gratitude to Acting Register Maria Strong for ensuring the office did not lose a step through a highly active and consequential transition period.”

NAB President & CEO Gordon Smith remarked, “NAB has enjoyed a long working relationship with Shira Perlmutter and we support her appointment as Register of Copyrights. Her broad expertise and experience in copyright law make her well-suited to lead the Copyright Office. Local radio and television stations look forward to continuing to work with her on copyright issues affecting the broadcast industry.”