Overview
The Copyright Office has kicked off a study on deferred examination. The study is to find a workable system for copyright applicants to submit their applications and delay examination until a later date (possibly when the work is infringed, and the applicant wishes to sue).
In theory, such a system could decrease initial filing costs, which would benefit creators of many works. Another benefit is the decreased administrative burden on the Office, which loses money on every application it examines. The solution, however, raises a host of logistical and other concerns, and industry groups have offered mixed responses to the system.
