Filled out a copyright form incorrectly?

[LAgirlneedshelp]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? California

I submitted my short film to the copyright office yesterday using their online form. I listed my film as "Unpublished". I've sent it out for consideration to film festivals and it may get distributed online or as part of a CD/DVD set so it is in fact "Published". I've submitted the "best copy" of the work with the requirements for a published film (a copy of the dvd and the synopsis). Will I run into trouble because I accidently listed my film as "unpublished"? Does it affect my copyright rights? How can I go about changing it (I've been trying to reach a human being at the DC office the entire day, keep getting a busy signal)?

 

[HappyWanderer]

Even the internet has many things on such law where a person cannot tell the answer.

It seems IP needs an attorney. They can give you all the ins and outs of things. It certainly appears like specificity is very important. A casual submission is about worthless.

If we can all sue over IP issues, the world is screwed. The actual law seems unreasonable and wrong. It can't be that way in reality. Again, if it is, we're all screwed.

 

[LAgirlneedshelp]

I think you misunderstood my question. I'm just looking for a form or something that would help me change status of my film from "unpublished" to "published" when the original online form has already been submitted (with receipt generated) but not processed. I know there's a way to do it via phone but I keep getting a busy signal. That's why I asked if keeping it the way it was would change the effectiveness of the copyright or if it's okay for me to just keep it the way it is and let the copyright office figure it out. I don't understand what issues you're talking about? What unreasonable law? What casual submission?

 

[divgradcurl]

No need to worry. You can correct your registration by filing a form CA along with the appropriate fee -- form is here: http://www.copyright.gov/forms/formca.pdf. That said, it doesn't sound like there is much to concern yourself with -- this isn't a material mistake, isn't made with any intent to deceive, and is unlikely to ever be an issue even if it goes uncorrected.

 

[ipatty]

Copyrights.

It takes awhile to get through to a Copyright Information specialist, but they do answer the line. It does seem to be hit or miss.

Copyright subsists from the moment that it is fixed in a tangible medium of expression. Copyright registration in the United States is required for enforcement in federal court (i.e., bringing a copyright infringement action).

You have to wait until the copyright is registered until you can bring any such enforcement action.

Also, if you did your electronic filing online, you might need to submit a deposit copy via US mail. There is a form on the US Copyright Office website for doing so.

DISCLAIMER: THE FOREGOING IS NOT INTENDED TO BE LEGAL ADVICE NOR DOES IT CREATE AN ATTORNEY-CLIENT RELATIONSHIP.