721.9 Application Tips for Computer Programs
This Section discusses the practices and procedures for completing an application to register a computer program. For guidance concerning the deposit requirements for computer programs, see Chapter 1500, Section 1509.1(C). For guidance concerning the filing fee, see Chapter 1400, Section 1403.
721 .9(A) Identifying the Type of Work
Submitting an online application through the U.S. Copyright Office's electronic registration system is the preferred way to register a computer program. The first step in completing the online application is to select the type of work that the applicant intends to register. In the case of a computer program, the applicant should select Literary Work from the drop down menu marked Type of Work.
When submitting a paper application, Form TX should be used to register a claim to copyright in a computer program.
721 .9(B) Title of the Program
The application must provide the title of the computer program. 17 U.S.C. § 409(6). The title should include the version number or release number (if any) for the specific version of the program that the applicant intends to register. The version number or release number may be provided in the application as follows:
• Advantage Works v. 1.0
• Advantage Works (v. 2.0)
• Advantage Works version 3.5.1
• Advantage Works (release 4.1.1)
When completing an online application, the applicant should provide the title of the program on the Title screen. When completing a paper application, the applicant should provide the title on space 1 of Form TX. For guidance on completing this portion of the application, see Chapter 600, Section 610.
If the applicant does not provide a version number or release number, the registration specialist may add that information to the Title field/space if the number appears on the deposit or elsewhere in the registration materials and if it is clear that the number identifies the specific version that has been submitted for registration. If the title contains multiple version numbers [e.g., Scale Modeler v. 1.0, 2.0, 3.0, 4.50), the specialist may communicate with the applicant if he or she is unable to identify the specific version that the applicant intends to register.
721 .9(C) Name of Author / Name of Claimant
The applicant should provide the name of the author(s) who created the specific version of the program that the applicant intends to register. Specifically, the applicant should
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