USCO - Copyright Registration Fee Increase Proposal 2026

USCO - Copyright Registration Fee Increase Proposal 2026

APA wants to make you aware of potential upcoming changes that affect photographers who register their work with the U.S. Copyright Office.

The Copyright Office is proposing a fee increase across copyright registration services, which is expected to take effect mid-November 2026.
APA and other associations are pushing back on the increase. Congress has not yet voted on or approved the increase.
However, now is still a good time to act and lock in current rates before the proposed increase kicks in.

Why It Matters:
Copyright registration is one of the most important steps you can take to protect your work. Registering prior to any infringement significantly strengthens your legal position - unlocking the ability to pursue statutory damages of up to $150,000 per work and recovery of attorney's fees. If you have a backlog of unregistered work, getting it registered before the fee increase takes effect could save you money and protect you down the road.

What's Changing:
Single Application (individual work) | $45 → $55
Standard Application (electronic) | $65 → $85
Group Registration of Published Photographs (up to 750)
$55 → $85
Group Registration of Unpublished Photographs (up to 750) $55 → $85
Group Registration of Unpublished Works (up to 10)
$85 → $130
Group Registration of Published 2D Artwork (up to 20)
$85 → $130

View the complete list of proposed copyright registration fee changes.

Need Help Registering?
APA Partner ImageRights makes the copyright registration process simple, allowing you to register your images directly with the U.S. Copyright Office through their platform, even within your existing Capture One or Lightroom workflow. They also offer image tracking and infringement resolution services, so your work stays protected long after registration.

- Visit ImageRights
- Learn about their Copyright Registration service
- Learn about Image Discovery & Tracking
- Learn about Infringement Recovery

Useful Links:
- Register Your Work - USCO
- Photography Registration Guide
- Watch APA videos on Copyright Registration with advice from experts 

What other actions can you take?

Take the 2026 Copyright & Income Survey

APA is partnering with PPA on a survey covering copyright, income, AI, & fee increases.

Help strengthen copyright protections for photographers!

Photographers across the country rely on strong copyright laws to protect their work and sustain their livelihoods. That’s why PPA conducts the Copyright & Income Survey each year to collect real data that helps shape policies impacting the photography profession.

By taking 10–12 minutes to weigh in, you’ll help:

•     Advocate for stronger copyright protections on Capitol Hill
•     Provide data directly to Congress and the U.S. Copyright Office
•     Push for fairer compensation and income opportunities for photographers

Your voice gives weight to the collective advocacy efforts of the visual associations and ensures photographers are represented in national policy discussions!
Bonus: Complete the Copyright & Income Survey for a chance to win one of five $100 Amazon gift cards - deadline is September 18

You do not need to have ever registered your copyright to take the survey