HOUSE DELAYS MARKUP OF LEGISLATIVE BRANCH CLARIFICATION ACT
The House Administration Committee has postponed consideration of the Legislative Branch Clarification Act, delaying a planned markup to allow additional discussions between majority and minority members on the bill’s final language.
The legislation would address the structure and governance of several legislative branch agencies, including the U.S. Copyright Office, which is currently housed within the Library of Congress. As drafted and in a proposed Amendment in the Nature of a Substitute, the bill would clarify that the Copyright Office is an entity within the legislative branch, distinct from the Library’s administrative structure. It would also provide for the Register of Copyrights to be appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate.
Although the markup has been delayed, discussions among Committee members are ongoing, and consideration of the bill is expected to resume once consensus is reached on key provisions. Timing for the next markup has not yet been announced, but activity is likely in the coming weeks as negotiations continue.
IPO supports reforms that strengthen the institutional authority of the Copyright Office: separating the Copyright Office from the Library of Congress, clarifying its status within the legislative branch, and making the Register of Copyrights a presidentially appointed and Senate-confirmed position to enhance the Office’s accountability, visibility, and ability to administer the U.S. copyright system effectively.
PARTICIPATE IN IPO’S GROWING THE PIPELINE INITIATIVE
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Growing the Pipeline is an organization-wide initiative to encourage early career IP professionals to engage more actively in IPO and help build the next generation of IP leaders. The initiative focuses first on committee participation, encouraging senior members to support early career colleagues by creating structured opportunities to contribute, speak, and develop leadership skills. Visit the IPO website to explore and join an IPO committee. All members are also encouraged to update their IPO CONNECT profiles to indicate interest in speaking, helping expand and diversify IPO programming. Members with ideas to strengthen the leadership pipeline are invited to contact Sam Grover.
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THIS WEEK ON THE IP CHAT CHANNEL™: 2025 TRADEMARK YEAR IN REVIEW
Join the IP Chat Channel™ on Thursday, April 2 at 1:00pm ET for a webinar that will provide a recap of many of the key trademark cases from the U.S. Supreme Court to the USPTO Trademark Trial and Appeal Board in 2025, highlighting decisions regarding damages, standing, genericness, and more. The panel includes LARA AMERI (Ropes & Gray LLP), DAVID ARMENDARIZ (Pirkey Barber) and JON JEKEL (Pillsbury).
IP Chat Channel™ webinars are free for IPO members. Advance registration is required. CLE offered in most states.
LAST CHANCE TO SUPPORT IPO EDUCATION FOUNDATION
Donate to IPOEF’s Spring Fundraising Campaign by tomorrow, March 31 and help us raise $15,000 to support the next generation of innovators. By donating to the campaign, you are helping the Foundation take our IP education resources further. Watch here to see how our supporters helped us elevate awareness of and educate about IP in 2025. Imagine what we could do if YOU donated to help us keep the momentum going in 2026! Donate today to help us reach our goal.
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