1402.4(C) Multiple Types of Works
For both the online application and paper applications, an applicant may use one application to register different types of authorship. For example, an applicant may register a claim for a book that includes both text and photographs using one application, under certain circumstances. In such a case, the applicant should select the type of work or the paper application that corresponds to the predominant form of authorship in that work. For instance, if the applicant intends to register a novel that contains only a few photographs, the applicant should select Literary Work when completing an online application, or should use Form TX when completing a paper application. If the book mostly contains photographs with a small amount of text, the applicant should select Work of the Visual Arts when completing an online application or should use Form VA when completing a paper application. If the types of authorship are roughly equal, the applicant may choose the type of work or the paper application that would be appropriate for either type of authorship. The one exception is for a claim that includes any sound recording authorship. In this case, the applicant must select Sound Recording in the Type of Work field (in the case of an online application) or must use Form SR (in the case of a paper application), regardless of whether sound recording is the predominant form of authorship in the work. See 37 C.F.R. § 202.3(b)(2)(ii)(C).
1402.5 Single Applications
For works created by a single author who wishes to register one work that was not created as a work made for hire, the U.S. Copyright Office developed a more simple application that requires less information than the Standard Application. This application is available only through the online registration system.
For guidance in determining whether an applicant is eligible to use the Single Application, see Chapter 600, Section 609.1.
1402.6 Group Registration Applications
As a general rule, applicants should file separate applications, deposit copy(ies), and filing fees for each work they seek to register. In certain limited circumstances, there are options available for registering groups of related works with one application, one filing fee, and one set of deposit copies. In some cases, these group registration options have specific application requirements, which are discussed below.
1402.6(A) Group Registration of Serials: Online Application / Form SE/Group
Serials are works issued, or intended to be issued, in successive parts bearing numerical or chronological designations and intended to be continued indefinitely and include but are not limited to periodicals, newspapers, magazines, bulletins, newsletters, annuals, blogs, journals, and proceedings of societies that are created as works made for hire.
In certain cases, an applicant may register a group of serials by using an online application or a paper application submitted on Form SE/Group. For information concerning the registration requirements for this group registration option, see Chapter 1100, Sections 1109.2 through 1109.5. For guidance in completing an application to register a group of serials, see Chapter 1100, Section 1109.7.
Chapter 1400 : 10
12/22/2014
