[ML 470]

SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT
FROM THE COPYRIGHT OFFICE, LIBRARY OF CONGRESS,
WASHINGTON, D.C.

CONGRESS ESTABLISHES NEW COPYRIGHT ARBITRATION ROYALTY PANELS



*The "COPYRIGHT ROYALTY TRIBUNAL REFORM ACT OF 1993," Public Law
103-198, 107 Stat. 2304, which became effective December 17, 1993,
transfers the functions of the Copyright Royalty Tribunal to the
Library of Congress and the Copyright Office.

*The new law establishes ad hoc arbitration panels consisting of
three members to be appointed by the Librarian of Congress.

*Ratemaking and distributions of copyright royalties collected
under the compulsory licenses of the Copyright Act will now be
entrusted to the arbitration panels.

*Regulations governing the procedures, general requirements, and
administration of royalty ratemaking and distributions are
currently being drafted to make the transition from the Copyright
Royalty Tribunal to the Library of Congress as smooth as possible.

*The Copyright Office of the Library of Congress will begin,
without delay, to receive and process royalty claims of copyright
owners for royalties collected under the new Act.

This announcement is intended to alert you to the change and give
you some preliminary information about implementing the Copyright
Royalty Tribunal Reform Act of 1993.  We will keep you informed as
new information becomes available.  Should you have any questions
during this interim period, contact the Copyright Office's
Licensing Division at

                    Licensing Division, LM-458
                    Copyright Arbitration Royalty Panels
                    Copyright Office
                    Library of Congress
                    Washington, D.C.  20557-6400

                    Telephone: (202) 707-8150
                    FAX:       (202) 707-0905


           COPYRIGHT OFFICE*LIBRARY OF CONGRESS*WASHINGTON, D.C.

***12/22/93 (er)***