Copyright Office Modernization and Autonomy: What’s on the Agenda?

Please join us for an informal discussion about the current initiative to upgrade the Copyright Office for the 21^st Century and provide it with greater autonomy. June Besek and Mary Rasenberger will discuss the rationale for these changes and provide an update on the discussions on the Hill concerning Copyright Office Modernization, including the House Judiciary Committee’s inquiry.  They will describe some of the options for creating an independent Copyright Office, what each might look like and the benefits and drawbacks of each. We will leave plenty of time for questions and discussion.

Registration Deadline: March 31

June M. Besek is the Executive Director of the Kernochan Center for Law, Media and the Arts at Columbia Law School in New York, where her research and teaching focus on copyright and related rights.  She currently serves on Council for the American Bar Association’s Intellectual Property Law Section, and is a former chair of the Section’s Copyright Division and the Copyright Reform Task Force. She serves on the editorial board of the Journal of the Copyright Society of the U.S.A. and the board of advisors of the Columbia Journal of Law & the Arts. She is also a member of the board of Volunteer Lawyers for the Arts, New York. Ms. Besek is the author of many articles and studies on copyright law issues. She earned her law degree from New York University School of Law and her undergraduate degree, in economics, from Yale University.

Mary Rasenberger is the Executive Director of the Authors Guild and Managing Director of the Authors Registry. Prior to joining the Guild in November 2014, Mary practiced law for over 25 years in the areas of intellectual property, media and technology, with special expertise in copyright law.  Most recently, Mary was a partner at Cowan, DeBaets, Abrahams & Sheppard where she counseled publishing, media, entertainment, internet, and other technology companies, as well as authors and artists in all areas of copyright and related rights, including licensing, litigation, infringement analysis, policy, enforcement and digital rights. From 2002 to 2008 Mary worked for the U.S. Copyright Office and Library of Congress as senior policy advisor and program director for the National Digital Preservation Program.   Mary has worked at other major New York law firms and for a major record company.

New York Chapter Brown Bag Lunches are informal discussions on a range of copyright topics. Brown Bag Lunches are intimate and casual with ample opportunity for audience participation. In true brown-bag spirit, no food or drinks will be provided, so attendees are encouraged to bring their own. The admission fee is kept modest to encourage attendance by new or solo practitioners and law students, but all are welcome!

Cost:
Members $10
Nonmembers $20
Student Members FREE (Email rebecca@csusa.org for your promotional code)

SUBWAY
E M to E 53RD ST and 5TH AVE 2 min walk
4 6 E M to E 53RD ST and LEXINGTON 6 min walk
N Q R to CENTRAL PARK S (W 59TH ST) and 5TH AVE 6 min walk
B D F M to W 50TH ST and AVENUE OF THE AMERICAS (6TH AVE) 7 minute walk

LOCAL EATERIES
Burger Heaven* 9 EAST 53RD ST (Between 5th and Madison)
Blake & Todd 52 EAST 53RD ST (On 53rd between Madison & Park)
Essen 515 MADISON AVE (On 53rd between Madison & Park)
Europa Cafe 515 MADISON AVE (Corner of 53rd & Madison)
La Pain Quotidien* 7 EAST 53RD ST (On 53rd between 5th & Madison) 

*Just a few steps away from the office

Cancellation Policy: Refunds must be requested in writing at least three business days before the event. Refunds will not be issued after that point. Unfortunately, we will not be able to credit your registration payment toward a future event, but you may allow another person attend in your place. If possible, let us know that person’s name, affiliation and the city and state in which s/he works or lives so that we can make her/his name badge.

Are you new to the Copyright Society of the USA? To learn about the benefits of your membership, please visit www.csusa.org.

Already a member but need to renew for the 2014-2015 season?  Please visit www.csusa.org. All memberships expired on September 30, 2014. If you have already renewed, thank you!