U.S. Copyright Office Issues Final Rule Amending the Group Registration Option of Updates to News Websites
In July 2024, the U.S. Copyright Office created a new group registration option, known as Group Registration of Updates to a News Website, or GRNW, which allows registration of frequently updated news websites as collective works with a deposit composed of identifying material representing sufficient portions of the works included, rather than the complete contents of the website.
In May 2026, the Office proposed amending the definition of “news website” to clarify which works are eligible for the registration option. Based on the comments received, the final rule is effective immediately. It defines news website as
a website that is primarily designed to be a source of written information on current events, either local, national, or international in scope.
The updated rule clarifies that (1) a news website need only report on a variety of subjects, (2) the primary function of the website must be to report on current events, and (3) the news content must be updated frequently.
The Office is pleased to offer this amendment which improves the administrability of the GRNW registration option and eases the registration process for rightsholders.
For more information, visit the Amendment to Group Registration of Updates to a News Website rulemaking webpage.
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