Copyright of Chronological Publications
Many publishers and authors become flummoxed on the issue of protecting a series of works. Known as “serials,” the works can definitely be copyrighted.
Copyright of Serials
For copyright purposes, serials are defined as works issued or intended to be issued in successive parts bearing numerical or chronological designations and are intended to be continued indefinitely. Examples of serial works include:
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periodicals
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newspapers
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magazines
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bulletins
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newsletters
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annuals
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journals
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proceedings of societies
To protect your work, you must file with the Copyright Office. You can submit with a single issue using Form SE or Short Form SE as appropriate. If you prefer to submit a collection of issues, you use Form SE/Group. For newspapers, use Form G/DN.
Your registration becomes effective on the day that the Copyright Office receives your application, payment, and copies in acceptable form. If your submission is in order, you will receive a certificate of registration in 6 to 8 months.
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Nothing in this article is intended to create an attorney-client relationship. Please contact me if you have any questions.
