Mary Rasenberger

Mary Rasenberger is the Executive Director of the Authors Guild and Authors Guild Foundation. With over 25 years of experience in law, she is a recognized expert in copyright and media law. Before joining the Guild in November 2014, Rasenberger held various positions in private practice, government, and the corporate sector.

From 2002 to 2008, Rasenberger worked for the U.S. Copyright Office and Library of Congress as a senior policy advisor and program director for the National Digital Preservation Program. Her role involved shaping policies and initiatives related to copyright and digital preservation. Prior to her tenure at the Copyright Office, she served as a partner at Cowan, DeBaets, Abrahams & Sheppard, and as Counsel at Skadden Arps. In these positions, Rasenberger provided counsel and litigated on behalf of publishing, media, entertainment, internet companies, authors, and other creators in matters pertaining to copyright and related rights.

Throughout her career, Rasenberger has been actively involved in advocating for authors' rights and copyright law. She is a frequent speaker, lecturer, and writer on these subjects. Rasenberger serves on the Council of the American Bar Association's Intellectual Property Section and is an Advisor to the Executive Committee of the Copyright Society of the USA. She is a founder of Copyright Awareness Week and an Adviser to the American Law Institute's Restatement of Law, Copyright.

Rasenberger holds a Juris Doctor degree from Harvard Law School, a Master of Arts in Philosophy from Boston College, and a Bachelor of Arts degree from Barnard College. With her extensive expertise and dedication to the field of copyright law, Mary Rasenberger plays a significant role in protecting and advancing the interests of authors and creators.

Mary Rasenberger is a highly accomplished professional in the field of copyright law and advocacy. She currently serves as the Chief Executive Officer of the Authors Guild, a prominent nonprofit organization that supports and represents the interests of authors. Rasenberger has been in this role since November 2014, leading the organization's efforts to protect and advance the rights of authors.

With a career spanning over 25 years, Rasenberger has gained extensive experience and expertise in copyright and media law. Prior to her tenure at the Authors Guild, she held various positions in prestigious law firms and government institutions. From 2011 to 2014, Rasenberger worked as a partner at Cowan, DeBaets, Abrahams & Sheppard LLP, specializing in copyright and entertainment law. Before that, she served as Counsel at Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP, where she provided counsel, litigation, and licensing services in the areas of copyright and media law.

Rasenberger's dedication to copyright advocacy also led her to hold significant positions in government institutions. She served as a Senior Advisor for Public Policy at the Library of Congress from 2005 to 2008, working on policy planning initiatives. Prior to that, Rasenberger worked at the U.S. Copyright Office from 2002 to 2005 as a Policy Planning Advisor, contributing her expertise in copyright matters. She has made significant contributions to shaping copyright policy and ensuring the protection of intellectual property rights.

Throughout her career, Rasenberger has been a respected figure in the field, frequently speaking, lecturing, and writing on copyright law and authors' rights. She is known for her expertise in the legal and policy aspects of copyright, media, and entertainment. Rasenberger's contributions extend beyond her work with the Authors Guild, as she actively participates in various professional organizations. She serves on the Council of the American Bar Association's Intellectual Property Section and is an Advisor to the Executive Committee of the Copyright Society of the USA. Rasenberger has also been involved in initiatives such as Copyright Awareness Week and has contributed as an Adviser to the American Law Institute's Restatement of Law, Copyright.

Rasenberger holds a Juris Doctor degree from Harvard Law School, where she received her legal education from 1986 to 1989. She also holds a Master of Arts degree in Philosophy from Boston College and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Philosophy and Anthropology from Barnard College.

With her extensive experience, leadership skills, and dedication to protecting authors' rights, Mary Rasenberger has become a prominent figure in the field of copyright law and advocacy. Her work at the Authors Guild and her contributions to the legal community have significantly impacted the rights and interests of authors and creators.

Mary Rasenberger's vision encompasses a comprehensive understanding of copyright law, authors' rights, and the evolving landscape of the publishing industry. As the Chief Executive Officer of the Authors Guild, she is dedicated to advocating for the interests and well-being of authors.

One of Rasenberger's key visions is to ensure that authors have a strong voice and are fairly compensated for their creative work. She believes in protecting the rights of authors and ensuring that they have the ability to control and benefit from their intellectual property. Rasenberger advocates for fair contracts and favourable terms for authors, aiming to create a publishing ecosystem that respects their contributions and enables them to earn a sustainable living from their work.

In addition to fair compensation, Rasenberger recognizes the importance of fostering a diverse and inclusive publishing industry. She envisions an industry where authors from all backgrounds, cultures, and perspectives have equal opportunities to share their stories and have their voices heard. Rasenberger advocates for greater diversity in publishing, encouraging publishers to prioritize inclusive representation and ensure that underrepresented voices are given proper visibility and support.

Rasenberger's vision extends beyond the immediate concerns of authors to the broader issues affecting the publishing industry. She understands the impact of technological advancements and digital platforms on the way books are created, distributed, and consumed. Rasenberger envisions a publishing landscape that embraces innovation and adapts to the digital age while maintaining the integrity of authors' rights. She advocates for fair compensation for authors in the digital realm and for policies that protect their works from unauthorized use and piracy.

Furthermore, Rasenberger recognizes the importance of advocating for copyright law and policy that strikes a balance between protecting authors' rights and promoting access to knowledge and information. She supports copyright laws that incentivize creativity and innovation while also facilitating the free flow of ideas and cultural exchange. Rasenberger's vision encompasses copyright policies that reflect the realities of the digital era, addressing the challenges posed by online platforms and emerging technologies.