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22 September 2020CopyrightRory O'Neill

USPTO official named as new Copyright Office head

The US Library of Congress has appointed top US Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) official Shira Perlmutter as the new register of copyrights.

Perlmutter had been serving as the USPTO’s chief policy officer and director for international affairs.

In her new role, Perlmutter will head up the US Copyright Office, where she formerly led the office of policy and international affairs from 1995 to 1999.

During this time, she advised Congress on new copyright legislation, including the Digital Millennium Copyright Act.

“The Library of Congress has made an outstanding choice,” said Andrei Iancu, USPTO director.

Iancu continued: “As one of the nation’s most preeminent copyright experts, Shira is extremely well qualified to lead the Copyright Office. I look forward to working with her and continuing the USPTO’s longstanding and close collaboration with the Copyright Office.”

Perlmutter has also worked as vice president and associate general counsel for IP at Time Warner. She joined the USPTO in 2012 after a spell as executive vice president for global legal policy at the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry.

“I’m honoured to have the opportunity to lead the Copyright Office during its 150th year,” Perlmutter said.

Announcing the appointment, Librarian of Congress Carla Hayden also paid tribute to Maria Strong, who had been acting register since January and will now return to her old post of associate register.

“I appreciate Maria for stepping into the role of acting register and for providing excellent leadership to the Copyright Office,” Hayden said.

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