This educational guide is based on the linked primary sources. It is not a Court publication, is not affiliated with the Court, and is not legal advice.
In brief
Overview
According to Fourth Estate Public Benefit Corporation, the case concerns whether the phrase “registration has been made” in Section 411(a) refers to the copyright owner’s compliance with the registration requirement of Section 408(a).
Background and question before the Court
The parties appeared before the Court with counsel Aaron M. Panner for the petitioner, Peter K. Stris for the respondents, and Jonathan Y. Ellis representing the United States as amicus curiae supporting the respondents.
What each side argues
Fourth Estate Public Benefit Corporation (Petitioner)
According to Fourth Estate Public Benefit Corporation, the phrase “registration has been made” in Section 411(a) refers to the copyright owner's compliance with the registration requirement of Section 408(a).
Wall‑Street.com, LLC (Respondent)
Source-limited. The record does not yet support a complete account.
What happened at oral argument
Justice Sotomayor asked what happens if the registrar does not act and whether a final judgment can be entered before the registrar acts.
Justice Kagan asked how long the current delays are and how they compare with delays when the Act was passed.
What the Court decided
Why it matters
Industry representatives warn that the rule adopted could have a devastating impact and cause severe hardship.
Terms to know
No glossary terms are available for this guide.
Primary sources
Read the source materials on the official site or open the immutable repository copy used for this guide.
- b3d8173f791aaa8172ab-r1-1afaf600dd2608f3.pdforal argument transcript
Guide generated September 26, 2026. Automated validation accepted this version.