Industry
SUMMARY
Copyright Office is set to implement a significant fee increase for photographers, with new rates taking effect in mid-November 2026. The standard fee for registering a group of up to 750 photographs will rise from $55 to $85, a 55% increase that outpaces general inflation. This change, driven by rising internal processing costs, may lead photographers to re-evaluate their archiving and registration strategies, potentially prioritizing images based on profit potential. Photographers have until mid-November 2026 to register their work at the current rates.
TAKEAWAYS
US Copyright Office fee increase takes effect mid-November 2026.
Standard group photo registration fee rises from $55 to $85.
Increased fees are due to higher internal processing costs.
Photographers should register work before the November deadline.