As reported yesterday by ZDNet, the U.S. Copyright Office is seeking comments on a new Web filing system that would require use of Internet Explorer versions 5.1 and higher. Users of alternative browsers, such as Netscape, Firefox and Mozilla, would experience problems using the system.

The system relates to preregistration of eligible copyright claims, for which the Copyright Office proposed implementing regulations on July 22. The Copyright Office is required to have a system in place by Oct. 24. At this point in developing the system, however, “it is not entirely clear whether the system will be compatible with web browsers other than Microsoft Internet Explorer versions 5.1 and higher,” the notice says, continuing:

“In order to ensure that preregistration can be implemented in a smoothly functioning and timely manner, the Office now seeks comments that will assist it in determining whether any eligible parties will be prevented from preregistering a claim due to browser requirements of the preregistration system.”

Comments must be filed by Aug. 22.

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Bob is a lawyer, veteran legal journalist, and award-winning blogger and podcaster. In 2011, he was named to the inaugural Fastcase 50, honoring “the law’s smartest, most courageous innovators, techies, visionaries and leaders.” Earlier in his career, he was editor-in-chief of several legal publications, including The National Law Journal, and editorial director of ALM’s Litigation Services Division.