By Dana Kim, Crypto Markets Analyst
Last updated: June 13, 2026

H.R. 6028: 5 Ways This Bill Could Revolutionize Copyright in the U.S.

In 2023, over 500,000 copyright registrations were processed by the U.S. Copyright Office, a critical axis for safeguarding artists’ intellectual property. But H.R. 6028 proposes sweeping changes that could fundamentally reshape this landscape, posing a risk that over 30% of copyright registrations might not go through as intended, according to the Electronic Frontier Foundation. While many hail this bill as a necessary update to a bureaucratic system long in need of reform, a closer look reveals that it might serve the interests of technology giants like Google and Microsoft far more than individual creators and artists.

The notable flaw in the proposed changes is their potential to undermine the traditional protections of copyright. As the copyright landscape shifts towards favoring corporate interests, there’s a palpable tension for creators who now face an uncertain future. This article examines how H.R. 6028 could actually serve to elevate tech giants at the expense of the very creators it is intended to protect.

What Is H.R. 6028?

H.R. 6028, also known as the Copyright Office Modernization Act, is a bill aimed at revamping the operations of the U.S. Copyright Office. It seeks to streamline various processes and overhaul administrative functions, ostensibly to make the system more efficient for modern needs. However, the implications of these changes could drastically alter protections for individual creators, favoring large tech entities more accustomed to navigating regulatory frameworks.

The urgent need for clarity in copyright procedures makes this bill highly relevant, particularly for content creators and tech companies. Think of it like a road with fewer speed bumps, designed for freight trucks rather than individual cyclists—the bill facilitates easier navigation for tech giants but risks leaving small creators stuck in traffic.

How H.R. 6028 Works in Practice

Similar legislation has often fallen short of its lofty goals, and H.R. 6028 is no different. Here are practical examples of how the bill could affect both individual creators and major companies:

Google’s Lobbying and Strategic Dominance: Google has been a staunch advocate for copyright reform, positioning itself as a modernizing force in the realm of intellectual property. The implications are clear: easier copyright processes allow Google to further entrench its dominance over digital content at the expense of individual creators. As the company strengthens its grip on online media, original content creators may find themselves sidelined more than ever.
Timeliness of Copyright Registrations: The U.S. Copyright Office processes over half a million registrations each year, but proposed changes in H.R. 6028 could compromise this operational efficiency. Delays in processing registrations may block thousands of artists—musicians, writers, and visual artists—from timely protection of their works, hindering their ability to monetize content effectively.
Potential Gains for Microsoft: Microsoft, with a significant share in digital content services, may capitalize on the bill’s new provisions, leading to even further monopolization in the marketplace. While individual creators struggle to navigate these changes, companies like Microsoft can position themselves to dominate content creation and distribution networks, effectively sidelining independent voices.
Increased Infringement Cases: According to the Copyright Alliance, copyright infringement cases could surge by 25% if creators lose their ability to efficiently protect their intellectual property. The fast-tracked provisions of H.R. 6028 could create a legal quagmire, complicating the landscape for enforcement and leaving individual creators vulnerable to infringement without the necessary resources to mount a legal defense.
Bypassing Regulatory Checks: The bill’s fast-track provisions are worrying, as they enable companies to potentially circumvent essential checks meant to ensure fairness in copyright law. This could pave the way for corporate interests to exploit loopholes in the legislation, making it easier for large tech companies to monopolize and control digital content distribution to the detriment of individual creators.

Such trends highlight the complexities and contradictions inherent in H.R. 6028. The bill, instead of being a straightforward bureaucratic update, has the potential to dismantle supports that are foundational for many artists and creators.

Common Mistakes and What to Avoid

Creatives looking to navigate the changes posed by H.R. 6028 must be aware of several pitfalls:

Neglecting Timeliness: A warning example exists from the music industry, where several artists delayed filing their copyright applications. Without timely registration under the new regulations, they lost the ability to qualify for statutory damages in infringement cases. This scenario underscores the necessity of registering works as early as possible, particularly as future processing delays loom.
Misunderstanding Digital Licensing: Creators often mistakenly believe that having a global presence, such as through social media, automatically protects their works. However, under the complexities introduced by H.R. 6028, non-registered or improperly registered works may never receive adequate protection. Clarity around licensing rights in your online content, particularly with video platforms, is crucial.
Ignoring Community Resources: Many creators overlook industry resources like arts advocacy groups or initiatives offered by organizations such as the Copyright Alliance. These groups can provide invaluable guidance as the legal landscape shifts—failing to utilize such resources risks leaving creators in the dark as changes unfold.

Addressing these common mistakes can empower creators to protect their intellectual property even as regulatory environments shift.

Where This Is Heading

Several trends emerge as we look towards the future of copyright in the wake of H.R. 6028:

Increased Lobbying by Tech Giants: Expect tech companies to ramp up lobbying efforts for further copyright reforms, as they stand to gain significantly from the bill’s provisions. Companies like Google and Microsoft are likely to drive policy amendments favoring content monetization strategies that inconvenience individual creators. Analyst estimates suggest an escalating investment in lobbying should reforms progress.
Heightened Legal Compliance Costs: As copyright complexities increase, so will compliance costs for both individuals and firms. Research indicates that companies might need to budget substantially more for legal services, creating additional barriers for independent creators who lack resources to navigate these changes effectively.
Evolution of Digital Copyright Tools: Innovations in decentralized solutions and blockchain technology for copyright administration could become forefront issues in response to perceived shortcomings of H.R. 6028. With the rise of smart contracts, individual creators might see a future that permits greater transparency in rights management.

According to Chainalysis, we could see a groundwork laid for alternative, decentralized solutions within the next 12 months that challenge traditional copyright structures, providing creators with new pathways to protect their work.

FAQ

Q: What is H.R. 6028 and why is it important?
A: H.R. 6028 is a bill aimed at modernizing the U.S. Copyright Office. It is crucial because it proposes substantial changes that could impact how copyrights are registered and enforced, potentially favoring tech giants over individual creators.

Q: How can I ensure my copyright registrations are processed under H.R. 6028?
A: Creators should prioritize registering copyrights as soon as their works are created. Given the potential delays introduced by the bill, timely registration will ensure adequate protection and opportunities for monetization.

Q: How does H.R. 6028 compare to previous copyright bills?
A: While previous bills focused on incremental improvements, H.R. 6028 proposes sweeping structural changes that could fundamentally alter the landscape of copyright, perhaps more in favor of large tech companies than previous legislation.

Q: What are the costs associated with copyright registration under H.R. 6028?
A: While the registration fees themselves may not change dramatically, the potential legal costs associated with compliance and protecting one’s work could increase significantly as the regulatory framework evolves, particularly for smaller creators.

Q: Are there specific mistakes I should avoid in copyright management?
A: Yes, neglecting timely registration, misunderstanding licensing rights, and ignoring community resources are common mistakes that can severely impact creators’ ability to protect their work effectively.

Q: What happens if I don’t register my work before H.R. 6028 takes effect?
A: Failing to register may leave your work unprotected or vulnerable to infringement without the ability to claim statutory damages, impacting your rights in case of disputes.

Q: What trends should creators watch for over the next year?
A: Creators should monitor increased lobbying by tech giants, heightened legal compliance costs, and the potential development of decentralized copyright tools as alternative solutions gain traction.

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