Ch. 15
15.2.3
15.2.3
15-12
15.2.3
Determination of whether a certified document can or should be furnished.(cont'd)
I.
In general.(cont'd)
In correspondence concerning these questions it is appropriate to explain the various documents available and the requirements for obtaining them, but the Office cannot offer advice as to what kind of documents may be needed in litigation or for other purposes.
II.
What does the applicant want?
a.
Some letters requesting certified documents are ambiguous and cannot be taken literally.
1.
Where the meaning of the request seems clear in context, it may be appropriate to furnish the document without further correspondence; for example, a request for "a certified photostat of my certificate," accompanied by a fee of $2.00, can be answered by sending an additional certificate of registration.
2.
Where the meaning of the request is not clear, the Office should write for further instructions; for example, a request for "a photostat of Registration No. EU-22779" could refer equally to an additional certificate, a copy of the application, or a copy of the manuscript deposited.
b.
Where a letter requesting photostatic copies of material in the Copyright Office fails to specify whether or not the copies should be certified, the case should be carefully considered on its merits.
1.
If there is nothing whatever in the case to suggest that the applicant wishes the document certified, the case may be treated as a request for photoduplication.
