- A paper application names Alexis Consulting, Inc., as the author and the work made for hire box is checked “yes.” The following information appears in the Name of Claimant space:Alexis Consulting, Inc.
Robin Alexis
1001 Main Street
Parole, MD 21401The registration specialist will register the claim, because it appears that Alexis Consulting, Inc. is the sole copyright claimant and that the individual’s name is part of the company’s mailing address.
619.13(F) Group of Individuals Provided in the Name of Claimant Field/Space
Applicants should provide the name(s) of the specific individual(s) or organization(s) that own the copyright in the work, even if the copyright is owned by a group of individuals.
Example:
- An application is submitted for a sound recording, naming George Baker, Michael Warner, and Nathan Pike as the co-authors and co-claimants for the work. A statement on the deposit copy reads “Performed by the Busboys. The Busboys are George Baker, Michael Warner, and Nathan Pike.” The registration specialist will register the claim.
If the applicant names a group of individuals in the Name of Claimant fields / spaces (e.g., “The 2014 Graduating Class of Summer Glen Elementary School”), the applicant should also provide the name of each individual in the group.
The registration specialist may register a claim without communicating with the applicant if the criteria for membership in the group are clearly defined, if the members of that group were clearly established as of the date that the application was filed, and if the applicant provides the names of representative individuals in the application. If the membership of the group is vague or ambiguous, or if the applicant fails to provide the names of any individuals, the registration specialist will communicate with the applicant.
Examples:
- An application is submitted for a sound recording naming Derek Sable, Angelo Armstrong, and Kenneth Rainey as the co-authors of the work. “Between Extremes” is named as the copyright claimant, but no transfer statement is provided. The deposit copy reads “performed by Between Extremes.” The registration specialist will communicate with the applicant, because the identity of the copyright claimant(s) is unclear.
