On September 21, 2020, Librarian of Congress Dr. Carla Hayden announced that she has appointed Shira Perlmutter Register of Copyrights and Director of the United States Copyright Office.

Ms. Perlmutter has a deep knowledge of copyright law and policy, as well as an appreciation for the nuance with which domestic and international copyright issues must be administered to ensure a flourishing of creativity and dissemination of knowledge to benefit the public. Ms. Perlmutter’s experience as a policy maker in the various government roles she has occupied—most recently as chief policy officer and director of international affairs at the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), but also in earlier years as Associate Register for Policy and International Affairs at the United States Copyright Office—means she is already poised to consider and take on board the many varying inputs of stakeholders, user communities, and international partners and to advise Congress and other leaders on how to best manage priorities for the public good.

Significantly, Ms. Perlmutter is also a scholar. She taught copyright, trademark, and international intellectual policy at The Catholic University of America’s Columbus School of Law, has authored numerous academic articles, and co-authored a leading international IP law textbook. Her business experience, at law firms and in the private sector, will bring a practical perspective to compliment her public service and her scholarship.

As we celebrate the 150th anniversary of the Copyright Office, the Center for the Protection of Intellectual Property congratulates incoming Register Perlmutter on her appointment as Register of Copyrights and Director of the United States Copyright Office; thanks Librarian of Congress Dr. Hayden for conducting a thoughtful and thorough search; and thanks Acting Register Maria Strong for her dedicated service not only meeting the needs of users of the office, but also bringing to fruition numerous major initiatives, particularly during these challenging times.