1509.2(E)(3) Audiovisual Works Published in Electronic Format
To register an audiovisual work published in electronic and hard copy formats, the applicant should submit two complete copies of the best edition in the hard copy format. If the audiovisual work was published solely in electronic format, the applicant may submit digital files containing a complete copy of the work, provided that the requirements set forth in Section 1507.2 have been met.
1509.2(F) Motion Pictures
1509.2(F)(1) Unpublished and Published Motion Pictures
To register an unpublished or published motion picture, the applicant should submit one complete copy of the work. 37 C.F.R. § 202.20(c)(2)(ii). In addition, the applicant should submit a separate written description of the nature and general content of the work, such as a continuity, pressbook, synopsis, or script. Id.
A copy of a motion picture is complete when "the reproduction of all of the visual and aural elements comprising the copyrightable subject matter in the work is clean, undamaged, undeteriorated, and free of splices, and if the copy itself and its physical housing are free of any defects that would interfere with the performance of the work or that would cause mechanical, visual, or audible defects or distortions." 37 C.F.R. § 202.20(b)(2)(vii).
If the motion picture was first published in the United States between January 1, 1978 and March 1, 1989, the U.S. Copyright Office must examine the work for the required copyright notice. In such cases, the applicant should submit one complete copy of the best edition of the motion picture. If the best edition is in an unviewable format, the applicant should submit the best edition copy along with a copy that the Office can view, such as a DVD or video file. For information concerning the notice requirements for works published in the United States between January 1, 1978 and March 1, 1989, see Chapter 2200.
1509.2(F)(2) Alternate Deposit Option for Unpublished Motion Pictures
To register an unpublished motion picture, the applicant may submit identifying material in lieu of submitting an actual copy of the work, provided that the identifying material consists of one of the following:
• A phonorecord that contains the entire soundtrack or other sound portion of the motion picture; or
• A set of prints consisting of one frame enlargement or similar visual reproduction from each ten-minute segment of the motion picture.
See 37 C.F.R. § 202.21(g)(1).
In addition, the applicant must submit a separate written description, such as a continuity, a pressbook, or a synopsis. In all cases the description must contain the following information:
Chapter 1500 : 47 12/22/2014
