P R E F A C E
This Compendium (designated as Compendium II) reflects
Copyright Office practices under the copyright law which became
fully effective on January 1, 1978, including Title 17 of the
United States Code and amendments thereof.
An earlier Compendium (now called Compendium I) was
issued a number of years ago to reflect Copyright Office prac-
tices under the Copyright Act of 1909, as amended. Compendium I
applies to Copyright Office actions, in situations which it
covers, where the provisions of the Copyright Act of 1909, as
amended, are dispositive.
The Compendium is a manual intended primarily for the
use of the staff of the Copyright Office as a general guide to
its examining and related practices. It is not a book of rules
that is meant to provide a ready-made answer to all questions
that arise. Any new case presented to the Office may require
special analysis.
The practices of the Copyright Office are subject to
Constant review and modification in the light of new experience
and continuing reappraisal. Accordingly, additions, deletions,
and other amendments will be made from time to time. The Copy-
right Office will provide an up-to-date Copy of the Compendium
for public inspection and copying. The Office will likewise
maintain a separate record of all material withdrawn from the
Compendium as superseded.
Section 201.1(b)(3) of the Copyright Office Regulations,
Title 37 of the Code of Federal Regulations, which are author-
ized under section 702 of the current copyright law, provides
for a compendium of Office practices.
Copies of Compendium II are available for purchase from
the Superintendent of Documents, united States Government Print-
ing Office, as a looseleaf publication; amendments and supple-
ments will be published by the Superintendent of Documents in
the form of additional or replacement pages as such changes are
made.
Copies of the earlier Compendium (Compendium I) may be
purchased from the National Technical Information Service,
United States Department of Commerce.
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[1984]