For guidance in completing an application to register a dramatization or adaptation, see Section 804.9(D)(1).
804.7(B) Revisions
A revised dramatic work results when an author revises or adds new dramatic material to a preexisting play. The additions or revisions may be registered as a derivative work to the extent that they contain new original authorship.
For guidance in completing an application to register a revision of a dramatic work, see Section 804.9(D)(1).
804.7(C) Translations
A translation of a play or other dramatic work from one language to another is a type of derivative authorship. The U.S. Copyright Office categorizes a translation of a dramatic work as a dramatic work, because the work remains dramatic in nature, even if the new material is nondramatic.
For guidance in completing an application to register a translation of a dramatic work, see Section 804.9(D)(2).
804.7(D) Stage Directions
The Office regularly receives applications that claim copyright in the directions for the performance of a dramatic work, separate from the dialog or other elements of that dramatic work. In most cases, the applicant is attempting to register directions for performance on a stage.
Generally, stage directions are not independently copyrightable, although they may constitute an aspect of the overall dramatic work. Because stage directions are completely dependent on a particular dramatic work, a claim in stage directions must be authorized by the author of the dramatic work.
The Office has long held that copyright protection in stage directions is limited to the text of the directions themselves. When removed from the context of the dramatic work, the directions do not, in and of themselves, constitute dramatic content or give rise to a claim in the simple movements that are dictated by that text.
For guidance in completing an application to register the stage directions for a dramatic work, see Section 804.9(D)(3).
804.8 Registration Issues
This Section discusses frequent registration issues that arise in connection with dramatic works.
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