Page:Compendium of US Copyright Office Practices (1973).pdf/194

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Ch. 5
5.3.1
5-12
5.3.1
Best Edition.(cont'd)
III.
Where we are aware of a better edition.(cont'd)
b.
In the case or a foreign work, registration may be made on the basis of the copies received, and a request for copies of the best edition may be sent later.
c.
Where the Copyright Office has information that prior to the date on which the application is filed two or more editions of the same work but of different physical quality have been pub­lished at different times, and the best edition is not the first published edition, we will request submission of copies of both the first published edition and of the best edition.
1.
The facts given on the application (and affidavit, where required) shall refer to the first published edition.
2.
The copies will be compared generally to determine that they are substantially identical as to copyright notice and literary, musical, or artistic content.
3.
It the copies are substantially identical as to copyrightable matter, both sets will be referred to the Library for selection. One set will be selected for retention and the other set will be returned following registration.
4.
If the copies differ as to notice or copy­rightable matter, the case will be dealt with on its own merits.
Examples:
(1)
The first published copies bear an inadequate notice; the claim will be rejected.
(2)
The best edition contains new copyrightable matter; registra­tion for both editions will be required.