• Literary works include nondramatic literary works, such as fiction, nonfiction, poetry, an individual article, a textbook, a reference work, a directory, a catalog, advertising copy, a compilation of information, a computer program, a textual work made available online, or a database.
• Works of the visual arts include pictorial, graphic, or sculptural works, such as two- dimensional or three-dimensional works of fine, graphic, or applied art, photographs, prints, art reproductions, maps, technical drawings, or architectural works, among others.
• Works of the performing arts include musical works (either with or without lyrics), dramatic works (such as a screenplay, play, or other script], pantomimes,
and choreographic works.
• Sound recordings are works that contain sound recording authorship if the applicant intends to register that element of the work (even if the work also contains other types of authorship, such as music or lyrics]. If the applicant does not intend to register sound recording authorship, the applicant should not select this option (even if the work happens to contain one or more sound recordings]. Likewise, the applicant should not select this option if the applicant intends to register the sounds accompanying a motion picture or other audiovisual work.
NOTE: The Office only registers sound recordings that were fixed on or after February 15, 1972. For information concerning this issue, see Chapter 800, Section 803.5(D).
• Motion picture/audiovisual works include feature films, documentary films, animated films, television shows, videos, videogames, or other audiovisual works, such as slide presentations. This category also applies if the applicant intends to register the sounds that accompany a motion picture or other audiovisual work.
• Single serial issue refers to a single issue of a serial publication [e.g., a single issue of a magazine, a single volume of a journal, etc.]. This option does not cover individual articles, which would properly be registered under the literary work category. Registration for a group of serials or a group of contributions to a periodical is also permissible. For a detailed discussion of these group registration options and their eligibility requirements, see Chapter 1100, Sections 1109 and 1115.
1402.4(B) Paper Applications
While the U.S. Copyright Office prefers online applications, which are processed much more quickly and efficiently, applicants still may use paper applications for most types of registrations.
• Form TX should be used for registering nondramatic literary works, such as fiction, nonfiction, poetry, an individual article, a textbook, a reference work, a directory, a catalog, advertising copy, a compilation of information, a computer program, textual works made available online, or a database.
Chapter 1400 : 8
12/22/2014
