• Uploading electronic files to the electronic registration system: When submitting an online application, the applicant may upload a digital file to the Office's server that contains a complete copy of the work that is claimed in the application. For guidance in uploading the files, see copyright.gov/eco/faq.html.
• Submitting electronic files by mail, by courier, or by hand delivery: When submitting an online application or a paper application, the applicant may submit a digital file that contains a complete copy of the work that is claimed in the application. The files should be saved onto a physical storage device, such as a flash drive, CD-ROM, DVD, or the like. The storage device may be delivered to the Office by mail, by courier, or by hand delivery. For guidance on this procedure, see Sections 1508.3 through 1508.5.
• Identifying material: If identifying material is permitted or required for the deposit, the applicant may submit that material in an electronic format. Specifically, the applicant may upload the identifying material to the Office's server in the format that is most appropriate for the type of authorship that is claimed in the application. In the alternative, the applicant may download the identifying material onto a physical storage device, such as a flash drive, CD-ROM, or DVD, and may deliver that device to the Office by mail, by courier, or by hand delivery. For guidance on this procedure, see Sections 1508.3 through 1508.5.
NOTE: When submitting an online application and delivering the deposit by mail, by courier, or by hand delivery, the applicant must attach a shipping slip to each deposit. If the applicant fails to attach a shipping slip to each deposit, the Office will be unable to connect the deposit with the application. For information concerning this procedure, see Section 1508.2.
The applicant must submit the electronic deposit copy(ies), phonorecords or identifying material in an acceptable file format, regardless of whether they are uploaded through the electronic registration system or submitted on a physical storage device.
Failure to submit the deposit copy(ies) in an acceptable file format will delay the examination of the claim and will affect the effective date of registration. The Office cannot assign an effective date of registration for a work submitted in electronic format until it has received a file that can be opened and examined by the Registration Program.
A current list of acceptable file formats is posted on the Office's website at www.copyright.gov/eco/help-file-types.html. The list includes, but is not limited to, the following file formats:
• txt
• wpd
• doc
• tif
• svg
• IPg
• html
• wav
Chapter 1500 : 15
12/22/2014
