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NOTE: The CRB has a new system for viewing filings online called eCRB. eCRB went live on June 17, 2017. Some CRB filings dated June 16, 2017, or earlier are available through eCRB. Eventually, all CRB filings will be there.
November 8, 2021
Librarian of Congress Names Judge Suzanne Barnett Interim Chief Copyright Royalty Judge
Librarian of Congress Carla Hayden today announced her selection of Judge Suzanne Barnett as interim Chief Copyright Royalty Judge and head of the Copyright Royalty Board effective today. Barnett previously served as the Chief Copyright Royalty Judge from 2012 until her retirement in 2019. Barnett is replacing Chief Judge Jesse Feder who is stepping down from the position which he has held since 2019. More information about the appointment can be found here.
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The Copyright Royalty and Distribution Reform Act of 2004 (CRDRA) established the Copyright Royalty Judges program in the Library of Congress. The Copyright Royalty Judges (Judges) oversee the copyright law’s statutory licenses, which permit qualified parties to use multiple copyrighted works without obtaining separate licenses from each copyright owner.
The Judges determine and adjust royalty rates and terms applicable to the statutory copyright licenses. They also oversee distribution of royalties deposited with the Copyright Office by certain statutory licensees and adjudicate controversies relating to the distributions.
The Judges are appointed by the Librarian of Congress to serve staggered six-year terms. Each may be reappointed to subsequent six-year terms.
Under the CRDRA, each judge must have a law degree and at least seven years’ legal experience. In addition, one judge must have significant knowledge of copyright law, one must have significant knowledge of economics, and one must have a minimum of five years’ judicial or quasi-judicial experience. The board of Judges consists of Suzanne Barnett, (chief judge), Judge David R. Strickler (economics), and Judge Steve Ruwe (copyright). Judge Barnett is serving as interim chief judge; Judge Strickler’s current term ends in January 2028; and Judge Ruwe’s current term ends in December 2025.