Page:Compendium of US Copyright Office Practices, II (1984).pdf/3

 PREFACE

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 practices 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 Copyright 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 The Office will likewise maintain a separate record of all material withdrawn from the Compendium as superseded.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 authorized 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 Printing Office, as a looseleaf publication; amendments and supplements 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.

-oOo- [1984]