Posted December 1, 2006.

Copyright Office Grants DMCA Exemptions

Despite its reluctance to do so in the past, the U.S. Copyright Office November 22 granted six exemptions to the 1998 Digital Millennium Copyright Act. In the government’s triennial review, Librarian of Congress James H. Billington approved the exemptions, ruling that “persons making noninfringing uses [in these areas] will not be subject to the prohibition against circumventing access controls during the next three years.”

One exemption permits university library or media studies departments to create compilations of audiovisual works for classroom use. Another permits libraries and archives to make preservation copies of computer programs and video games created in formats that have become obsolete.

Fred von Lohmann, attorney with digital rights activist the Electronic Frontier Foundation, told the Associated Press that he was disappointed that other exemptions were not offered, including one that would allow DVD owners to copy their movies to portable media players. However, von Lohmann said, “I am very encouraged by the fact that the Copyright Office is willing to recognize exemptions for archivists, cell phone recyclers, and computer security experts. Frankly, I’m surprised and pleased they were granted.”

Posted December 1, 2006.