Application Modernization

Modernizing Copyright Systems for Faster, Secure, and Nationwide Access

Challenge

The United States Copyright Office processes billions of dollars in transactions for the registration, transfer, and licensing of rights for every book, film, musical recording, and other creative works produced in the United States. This was previously managed through a paper-based, manual system—slow, unreliable, difficult to navigate, and labor-intensive. Automation was limited to a single, simplistic system that was cumbersome. Search for existing copyrights requires in-person visits to Washington, DC, greatly limiting access for users nationwide.

Solution

Aretum led a comprehensive modernization effort, transforming all copyright systems into a user-friendly, web-based platform that streamlined and accelerated copyright processes. Using advanced tools such as Java microservices, REST APIs, standardized UI libraries, and elastic search, Aretum integrated all copyright functions into a single system. The upgraded platform supports secure financial transactions, custody of legal documents, complex workflows, robust authentication, and a faceted search capability spanning millions of records with dozens of search criteria.

Outcome

The new Enterprise Copyright System (ECS) has revolutionized the Copyright Office’s operations. Registrations that once took months are now completed within weeks. The number of screens required in the outdated system was halved in the modern interface, vastly improving the user experience. Public users benefit from faster, more reliable access, while back-end staff enjoy more efficient workflows and significant labor savings. An independent Copyright Public Modernization Committee, comprising artists, publishers, and film industry representatives, has recognized ECS as the most significant advancement for the Copyright Office in years.