The Visual Artists Copyright Reform Act (VACRA) modernizes copyright registration processes for visual artists, photographers, and creators of graphic and sculptural works. The bill eliminates requirements that artists deposit physical copies of their works with the Copyright Office, instead allowing them to submit electronic copies and use certified third-party registries to store photographs and maintain creator information. It enables artists to register multiple photographs (up to 3,000 initially, expandable as technology improves) under a single application and fee, and allows "deferred registration" where artists can register works immediately upon creation or upload without waiting for Copyright Office examination. The bill also requires the Copyright Office to develop a modern online system compatible with professional creative software, establish reduced registration fees for individual artists and small businesses, and create optional annual subscription plans for registration. All major changes must be implemented through regulations within 180 days of enactment, with no explicit budget allocation specified in the legislation.
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