INSTRUCTIONS: FORM PA

People seeking a copyright on a motion picture, television show, pantomime, ballet, play, musical or other performing arts piece should file a Form PA. This document can be obtained from the United States Copyright Office's website.

Form PA Step 1: Enter the title of the work exactly as it appears in any copies or photo records of the work in part one. Include a brief description of the type of work you are seeking a copyright for, such as "choreography" or "song lyrics."

Form PA Step 2: In part two, the name of up to three authors can be submitted on one form. In cases where it is unclear who the "author" is, such a motion picture, this decision must be reached among the people submitting the application. Every author listed should have their country of citizenship and domicile listed separately. A copyright can be granted to someone who chooses to submit their work anonymously or pseudonymously. A description of each author's contribution should be included.

Form PA Step 3: Note the year work on this creative project was completed in part three. If previously published, note the date and location.

Form PA Step 4: List the name and address of the person seeking copyright in part 4. Those who are not the author should include an explanation of how they came by the copyright in the space provided.

Form PA Step 5: In part 5, note if your work was previously registered. If yes, note whether it was registered as an unpublished work, if you have made changes since or whether this is the first time the author has filed a claim.

Form PA Step 6: If you included preexisting material in any form, note this in section 6a. In 6b, note what changes you added or how you expanded on previously copyrighted work of your own.

Form PA Step 7: In section 7a, you may provide your deposit account number if you already have one registered with the Copyright Office. In section 7b, you may provide an address for correspondence.

Form PA Step 8: In section 8, certify that you are the author, another copyright claimant, an owner of the rights to a project, or an authorized agent of one of the above by checking the box next to the appropriate description. Sign and date the form.