TAA Issues Statement Opposing the Dismissal of the Copyright Register » Abstract

TAA Issues Statement Opposing the Dismissal of the Copyright Register

The Textbook & Academic Authors Association (TAA) Board has issued a statement opposing the dismissal of the Copyright Register. The Statement calls on the relevant authorities to reverse this decision and reinstate the Register without delay. The full text of the statement is below.

Statement by Textbook and Academic Authors Association Opposing the Dismissal of the Copyright Register

As authors of textbooks, scholarly works, and educational resources, we express deep concern over the abrupt and unexplained dismissal of the Copyright Register, Shira Perlmutter. This action threatens the integrity of the institution responsible for protecting the rights of those who create and disseminate knowledge for the public good.

We call for the immediate reinstatement of the Register and the protection of the Copyright Office’s independence from political or commercial interference.

The Register plays a critical role in upholding the rights of authors and creators, particularly those of us engaged in the production of scholarly and educational works. These rights are not abstract—they support our ability to produce rigorous, original, and accessible content that fuels learning, research, and public understanding.

The abrupt dismissal of the Register—without transparent cause or due process—compromises the credibility of the Copyright Office and sends a troubling message: that the rights of authors and the rule of law may be subject to arbitrary or external pressure. Such instability puts at risk not only our individual livelihoods, but also the educational and public interest we serve.

We urge the relevant authorities to reverse this decision and reinstate the Register without delay. The office must remain free from interference, guided by legal principle, professional expertise, and a commitment to creators and the public they inform.

At a time when the value of trustworthy knowledge and education is more vital than ever, undermining the leadership of the Copyright Office is a step in the wrong direction. We stand in strong support of the Register’s reinstatement and of a copyright system that respects and protects the work of academic and educational authors.