Recent Announcements

June 2, 2023

Copyright Royalty Judges Issue Redacted Initial Determination in Phonorecords III Remand Proceeding

The Copyright Royalty Judges issued a redacted (public) version of their Initial Determination After Remand of royalty rates and terms for the compulsory license for the use of musical works in the making and distributing of phonorecords (Phonorecords III Remand). The initial determination is subject to statutory review by the Register of Copyrights. Publication of a final determination will occur in due course after consideration of any motions for rehearing, the Register of Copyrights completes her review, and the Librarian of Congress approves publication of the final determination.

Upon publication of a Final Determination, and in the absence of changes arising from any motion for rehearing that might be filed by a party, these rates and terms will be applicable to the prior period of January 1, 2018, through December 31, 2022.

The redacted Initial Determination After Remand is available for viewing in eCRB.

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About Us

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 David P. Shaw, (chief judge), Judge David R. Strickler (economics), and Judge Steve Ruwe (copyright). Judge Shaw is serving as chief judge; Judge Strickler’s current term ends in January 2028; and Judge Ruwe’s current term ends in December 2025.

David P. Shaw, Chief Copyright Royalty Judge

David P. ShawChief Copyright Royalty Judge

David Strickler, Copyright Royalty Judge

David R. StricklerCopyright Royalty Judge

Steve Ruwe, Copyright Royalty Judge

Steve RuweCopyright Royalty Judge

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