Registration of Unpublished WorksAs of March 2019, the United States Copyright Office has created a registration option for unpublished works, in which up to ten (10) unpublished works can be registered for a single fee. But to qualify to use this application, the following must apply: (1) all the works must be created by the same author or the same joint authors, (2) the author or joint authors must be named as the copyright claimant for each work, (3) the claim to copyright in each work must be the same, and (4) each work must be registered in the same administrative class.

Previously, you were able to file a copyright application for a collection of unpublished works and the collection itself had no limit.  Further, you may no longer use the Standard Application to file this type of work, but rather must now use the new Group Registration of Unpublished Works Application.

This rules applies to all types of unpublished works including films, music, and books.  Specifically for a series of books, there are many considerations to take in.  First, you don’t have to use the group option when registering a book series, you are still able to register a series of books, one book at a time, if you wish.  Of course, the main difference would be the cost as you have to pay for each application (as of this writing, online submission for a Standard Application and a Group Registration of Unpublished Works are each $55 versus $35 for a Single Application (single author, same claimant, one work, not for hire)).

The type of filing you choose is also determined by what kind of writer you are.  Not every author is able to write multiple books in a series before publishing them first. But if you are this kind of author, this can be cost effective with filing just one (1) application.  Unfortunately, if the series has already been published, you must register each on its own.
 

U.S. Copyright Office Filing Tips for Book Series
Application Type Examples of Works Accepted under Application
Group Registration of Unpublished Works Application: A book series of unpublished books (up to ten (10) unpublished works).
Standard or Single Application: Books that have been published (must each be registered on its own application).
Standard Application: Books that are published on the same day and only available as a set (they can all be registered together on one application).

 

It’s also worth pointing out that this new rule does not replace the procedure for registering unpublished photographs, which still allows up to 750 images per application and one (1) filing fee using the group registration option for photographs.

The filing process with the U.S. Copyright Office and navigating their online registration system can be complicated.  If you are unsure which application is best for you and/or need assistance in filing your application(s), contact The Myers Law Group for assistance in protecting your works at (888) 676-7211.

From our office location in Orange County, we assist clients throughout Southern California, across the nation, and around the world. Call us at (888) 676-7211 today to speak with one of our experienced trademark attorneys. You can also contact us by secure email.