Group Registration of Updates to a News Website

Document Headings Document headings vary by document type but may contain the following: the agency or agencies that issued and signed a document the number of the CFR title and the number of each part the document amends, proposes to amend, or is directly related to the agency docket number / agency internal file number the RIN which identifies each regulatory action listed in the Unified Agenda of Federal Regulatory and Deregulatory Actions See the Document Drafting Handbook for more details. Library of Congress Copyright Office 37 CFR Part 202 [Docket No. 2026-5] AGENCY: U.S. Copyright Office, Library of Congress. ACTION: Final rule. SUMMARY: The U.S. Copyright Office is amending its regulation governing the group registration option for news websites. The final rule amends the definition of a “news website” to clarify the works eligible for this option, as set forth in the May 2026 notice of proposed rulemaking. DATES: This rule is effective August 13, 2026. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Rhea Efthimiadis, Assistant to the General Counsel, by email at USCOGeneralCounsel@copyright.gov or by telephone at (202) 707-8350. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: On July 22, 2024, the U.S. Copyright Office (“Office”) issued a final rule (“2024 rulemaking”) establishing a group registration option for frequently ( printed page 52240) updated news websites, or “GRNW.”  [ 1 ] That rule defined “news website” as “a website that is designed to be a primary source of written information on current events, either local, national, or international in scope, that contains a broad range of news on all subjects and activities and is not limited to any specific subject matter.”  [ 2 ] In establishing the definition, the Office explained that it “encompass[es] news websites that cover current events and provide information on diverse topics.”  [ 3 ] News websites that focus primarily on p…