Understanding Ad Interim Copyright: A Comprehensive Guide

Definition & Meaning

Ad interim copyright refers to a temporary copyright granted under specific circumstances, particularly when a book or periodical is published abroad in English. To secure this copyright, the author or copyright owner must deposit one complete copy of the foreign edition with the copyright office within six months of its publication. This deposit must include a request for copyright reservation and a statement detailing the author's name, nationality, and publication date. Ad interim copyright provides the same protections as standard copyright and lasts until five years after the initial publication abroad.

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Real-world examples

Here are a couple of examples of abatement:

For instance, if an author publishes a novel in England and wants to ensure copyright protection in the U.S., they would need to deposit a copy of the book with the U.S. copyright office within six months of its publication date. This action grants them ad interim copyright while they pursue full copyright registration.

(Hypothetical example): A magazine published in Canada includes articles in English. The editor deposits a copy of the magazine with the U.S. copyright office to secure ad interim copyright for the articles.

Comparison with related terms

Term Definition Key Differences
Copyright A legal right that grants the creator exclusive rights to their work. Ad interim copyright is temporary, while copyright can be permanent.
Temporary Copyright A short-term copyright protection for works in specific situations. Ad interim copyright specifically applies to works published abroad in English.

What to do if this term applies to you

If you are an author or publisher whose work has been published abroad, ensure you deposit a copy with the U.S. copyright office within six months. Include a request for copyright reservation and details about the author and publication. For assistance, consider using US Legal Forms to access templates that can simplify the process. If your situation is complex, consulting a legal professional may be beneficial.

Quick facts

  • Duration: Lasts until five years after the initial publication abroad.
  • Deposit Requirement: One complete copy must be submitted to the copyright office.
  • Deadline: Must be done within six months of publication.

Key takeaways

Frequently asked questions

It is a temporary copyright granted when a work is published abroad in English, requiring specific actions to secure it.