p.1 #1 · Copyright registration: single published image, eCO
I've been reading about copyright registration, and the more I read, the more confused I get. I've got a bunch of questions but I'm going to limit this thread to one specific issue to avoid confusion.
I want to register a single published image, preferably electronically (via the Copyright.gov site). The first time the photo was published was on the back of a book. Here are my questions:
I need to send a photo or scan of the book--not just a copy of the photograph itself, right?
Can I send a jpg showing the photo on the book, or must I mail hard copy prints?
This FAQ at the Copyright site specifies what can be registered electronically. It says:
"Published works for which the deposit requirement is ID material (see the Special Deposit Requirements section of Circular 1 for more on ID material)" But the "special deposit requirement" link is dead.
"When registering a single published image or a group of images published in the same unit of publication, use Form CO or the online eCO. Either method requires you to submit two copies of the published work. Submit originals or copies — color copies if published in color, black-and-white copies if published in black-and-white. You may scan or copy the original publication."
This says I can use eCO, but I'm not clear if I do that, do I also need to mail hard copies (prints) showing the photo on the book, or if I can do everything electronically.
p.1 #2 · Copyright registration: single published image, eCO
Jim, I can't directly address your question, but I can suggest as an excellent resource the blogs written by Carolyn Wright, an attorney specializing in photo copyrights. I have no connection to Ms. Wright, but I've learned a lot about copyright from the articles she has written.
p.1 #3 · Copyright registration: single published image, eCO
John:
Thanks for your reply. I have been to her site and read several articles on copyright registration, but I haven't seen her article at Naturescapes--I'll check it out.
p.1 #4 · Copyright registration: single published image, eCO
If you send an image OF a photo on the back of a book then it is that photo that is registered and not the photo ON the book. Send the copy of the original photo.
p.1 #5 · Copyright registration: single published image, eCO
Mickey wrote:
If you send an image OF a photo on the back of a book then it is that photo that is registered and not the photo ON the book. Send the copy of the original photo.
Thanks for the reply. Can I do that by uploading a jpg to their site, or do I need to mail a hard copy?
Also, see the info from the ASMP copyright tutorial below.
What does "submit two copies of the published work" mean? Why would you send two copies if you're using online eCO?
Are you sure I shouldn't shoot the book, below it says, "You may scan or copy the original publication."
A single published image, or a group of images from one unit of publication
When registering a single published image or a group of images published in the same unit of publication, use Form CO or the online eCO. Either method requires you to submit two copies of the published work. Submit originals or copies — color copies if published in color, black-and-white copies if published in black-and-white. You may scan or copy the original publication.
