General Counsel and Associate Register of Copyrights

The General Counsel and Associate Register of Copyrights has the responsibility at the highest level for a wide range of complex tasks related to the administration of the U.S. copyright law and serves as a senior advisor to the Register of Copyrights.

The position interprets U.S. Copyright Office programs and practices and makes policy recommendations in specific areas of copyright law. Represents and speaks for the U.S. Copyright Office in speeches and discussions at legal and professional meetings, conferences, and seminars in the United States and in foreign countries. Contributes articles and other writings to law reviews, collections, professional journals, etc. Provides professional supervisory oversight of the employees, some of whom perform at GS-15 grade level. Manages and supervises the administrative and technical aspect for accomplishing the work.

Directs and coordinates research on the entire range of problems involved in the development, implementation, and operation of the U.S. Copyright law including related laws contained in title 17. Works with supervised attorneys and other copyright office employees to ensure that reports for Congress and statements are complete, accurate and on time. Provides congressional staff members advisory services and oral briefings that clarify legal questions, identifies and discusses legal options, and informs congressional staff. Maintains and uses these contacts to keep abreast of legislative developments and congressional concerns. Analytical assignments in direct support of legislative deliberations may originate from these contacts, in recognition of the attorney's professional authority in a specific area of the law.

Drafts rules, policy statements, explanations, commentaries, determinations of novel questions of law and other questions of law referred to the Register of Copyrights by the Copyright Royalty Judges, and participates in the processes of rule-making, including hearings and the evaluation of testimony and written comments. Consults actively and widely with the entire range of communities, such as legal, authorship, publishing, entertainment, educational, library, communications, art, and others affected by title 17, and informs these entities about pertinent Copyright Office policies and practices.

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