Page:Compendium of US Copyright Office Practices (1973).pdf/113

2.14.1

What is a Motion Picture?(cont'd)

III.

Sound tracks. (cont'd)

b.

Registration is not made for a sound track alone, or for a sound track as the only new

matter in a previously published or registered motion picture.

Examples:

(1)

An old silent film with a new sound track.

(2)

A previously published foreign film with a dubbed sound track in English.

2.14.2

Statutory Requirements for Copyright in Motion Pictures.

I.

Publication.

a.

Claims are registered in both published and unpublished motion pictures.

b.

Publication of a motion picture is generally deemed to have taken place when prints of the

film are placed on sale, sold, distributed to the public, or distributed to film exchanges, film distributors, exhibitors, or broadcasters under a lease or similar arrangement.

Examples of publication:

(1)

Prints of a "public service" film are sent out free of charge to various television stations for exhibition.

(2)

Prints of a theatrical film are sent out to distributors for rental to exhibitors.

c.

Mere public exhibition or performance is not generally regarded as publication of a motion picture.

[1973]