Issue 279 -January 5, 2006

Copyright Office Announces Receipt of Notices of Intent to Audit

The Copyright Office of the Library of Congress announces receipt from SoundExchange of eleven notices of intent to audit eligible nonsubscription and new subscription services that transmit sound recordings under statutory licenses. SoundExchange is the organization designaged to collect royalty fees on behalf of copyright owners and performers for these transmissions. The audits intend to verify statements of account for the years 2002, 2003, and 2004. (Read further information.)

Librarian of Congress Appoints Copyright Royalty Judges

The Librarian of Congress has announced the appointment of the first three Copyright Royalty Judges pursuant to the Copyright Royalty and Distribution Reform Act of 2004. The new Chief Copyright Royalty Judge is James S. Sledge. The new Copyright Royalty Judge with expertise in economics is Stanley C. Wisniewski. The new Copyright Royalty Judge with expertise in copyright law is William J. Roberts. (Read announcement with biographical information.)

The Copyright Royalty Judges will assume office on Monday, January 9. A formal swearing-in ceremony, followed by a reception, will take place in the Madison Building of the Library of Congress on Wednesday, January 11 at 10:00 a.m.