Ch. 3
3.2.3
3.2.3
3-14
3.2.3
Unacceptable dates of publication.(cont'd)
II.
Incomplete Date.(cont'd)
a.
Where the element is missing from the publication line of the application, the Office may either request the information and add it to the application, or request a new application.
b.
Where the date given in the affidavit on Form A is incomplete, a new application and affidavit will be requested.
III.
Qualified or Indefinite.
a.
An application in which the date of publication is qualified by language such as "approximately," "on or about," "posted" (for billboard posters), "exhibited," "telecast," etc., will not be accepted.
b.
An indefinite date, such as one extending over a period of time, will not be accepted.
Examples:
(1)
"July 20-26, 1962"
(2)
"Last week of December, 1962"
IV.
Separate Parts or Installments. An application giving more than one date of publication will not be accepted. (See item 3.2.2 III, above.)
V.
Previous Edition or Version. An application giving only the date of publication for a previous edition or version will not be accepted. (See item 3.2.2 IV, above.)
VI.
Application in Advance of Publication. An application stating a date of publication that is later than the date the application is received will ordinarily not be accepted.
a.
Where the date of publication given in the application is less than one month in advance of the date the application was received in the Copyright Office, the application, copies, and fee will be retained, and the applicant will be requested to submit a new application after publication occurs.
