U.S. Copyright Renewals, 1972 July - December

In Short

U.S. Copyright Renewals, 1972 July - December is a comprehensive catalog published by the Library of Congress. Copyright Office, listing works for which copyright renewals were filed during the second half of 1972. It includes books, pamphlets, serials, and contributions to periodicals, organized alphabetically by author or issuing body. Each entry provides details about the original and renewal registrations, including titles, dates, and registration numbers. The catalog serves as a reference for copyright holders, researchers, and legal professionals, ensuring compliance with copyright laws and preserving intellectual property rights.

The Story

U.S. Copyright Renewals, 1972 July - December is a meticulously organized catalog that documents the copyright renewals filed with the U.S. Copyright Office during the second half of 1972. This publication is part of a series that ensures the continuity of copyright protection for works originally registered under the Copyright Act of 1909. The catalog is a vital resource for copyright holders, legal professionals, and researchers, providing a detailed record of intellectual property rights.

The book begins with an introduction explaining its purpose and structure. It is divided into alphabetical sections, each corresponding to a range of authors' last names or issuing bodies. Within these sections, entries are listed in alphabetical order, making it easy to locate specific works. Each entry includes the title of the work, the original copyright registration date, the renewal registration date, and the corresponding registration numbers.

For example, the entry for Michael Aaron piano course, grade one by Michael Aaron shows the original copyright date as March 26, 1945, with the registration number AA479257, and the renewal date as July 14, 1972, with the registration number R532470. This level of detail ensures that the copyright status of each work is clearly documented.

The catalog covers a wide range of materials, including books, pamphlets, serials, and contributions to periodicals. It also includes works by both individual authors and organizations. For instance, the entry for The book of worship for church and home by Ivan Lee Holt is listed under the Abingdon Press, while The imaginary Jew by John Berryman is listed under his name.

Throughout the catalog, there are cross-references to variant forms of names and titles, ensuring that all relevant information is easily accessible. For example, the entry for They believed in liberty: Americans from France by Louis Adamic includes a note directing readers to another entry under the name Stan Adamic.

The catalog also reflects the diversity of works protected by copyright, from literary and scholarly publications to technical manuals and musical compositions. Entries such as Asphalts and allied substances by Herbert Abraham and The Goldstein-Scheerer stick test by Kurt Goldstein and Martin Scheerer demonstrate the breadth of subjects covered.

In addition to individual works, the catalog includes entries for serials and contributions to periodicals, such as The imaginary Jew by John Berryman, which appeared in The Kenyon review. This ensures that even smaller or less formal publications are accounted for.

The final sections of the catalog provide indexes and additional information, such as references to other publications and legal notes. These sections enhance the usability of the catalog, making it a comprehensive and indispensable tool for anyone involved in copyright law or intellectual property management.

How It Unfolds

Introduction and Purpose: The catalog begins with an explanation of its purpose and structure, setting the stage for the detailed listings that follow.

Alphabetical Organization: Entries are organized alphabetically by author or issuing body, with cross-references for variant forms of names and titles.

Detailed Entries: Each entry includes the title of the work, original copyright date, renewal date, and registration numbers, providing a complete record of copyright status.

Diverse Materials: The catalog covers a wide range of materials, including books, pamphlets, serials, and contributions to periodicals, reflecting the breadth of copyrighted works.

Cross-References: Cross-references ensure that all relevant information is easily accessible, even when works are listed under different names or titles.

Indexes and Additional Information: Final sections provide indexes and additional notes, enhancing the catalog's usability and completeness.

The People

Authors and Creators: The primary figures in the catalog are the authors, composers, and creators whose works are being renewed. They are the original copyright holders and the beneficiaries of the renewal process, ensuring their continued rights to their intellectual property.

Copyright Holders: These are individuals or organizations that have acquired the rights to the works, either through assignment or inheritance. They are responsible for filing the renewal registrations to maintain copyright protection.

Publishers and Issuing Bodies: Publishers and issuing bodies play a crucial role in the copyright process, often acting as the claimants for works they have published. They ensure that the works are properly registered and renewed.

Legal Professionals: Attorneys and legal professionals are involved in the copyright renewal process, providing guidance and ensuring compliance with the law. They help copyright holders navigate the complexities of copyright law.

Researchers and Scholars: Researchers and scholars use the catalog to access information about copyrighted works, ensuring they respect intellectual property rights in their studies and publications.

In Its Own Voice

Entry for Michael Aaron piano course, grade one:

"Michael Aaron piano course, grade one. © 26Mar45; AA479257. Michael Aaron (A); 14Jul72; R532470."

Entry for They believed in liberty: Americans from France:

"They believed in liberty: Americans from France. (In Woman's day, Dec. 1944) © 10Nov44; B653899. Stan Adamic (NK); 10Aug72; R534341."

Entry for The imaginary Jew:

"The imaginary Jew. (In The Kenyon review, autumn 1945) © 20Sep45; B692919. Kate Berryman (W); 10Oct72; R537675."

What It's Really About

At its core, U.S. Copyright Renewals, 1972 July - December is about the preservation and protection of intellectual property rights. The catalog serves as a formal record of copyright renewals, ensuring that creators and their successors maintain control over their works for an extended period. This is essential for both economic and cultural reasons, as it allows creators to benefit financially from their works and ensures that these works remain available for public use and enjoyment.

The catalog also reflects the legal and administrative processes involved in copyright management. It highlights the importance of compliance with copyright laws and the role of the U.S. Copyright Office in facilitating this process. By providing a detailed and accessible record of renewals, the catalog helps prevent copyright infringement and disputes over ownership.

Another key theme is the diversity of creative works protected by copyright. The catalog includes a wide range of materials, from literary and scholarly works to technical manuals and musical compositions. This diversity underscores the importance of copyright in fostering creativity across various fields and industries.

Finally, the catalog is about accessibility and transparency. By organizing the information alphabetically and including cross-references, it ensures that anyone can easily find the copyright status of a work. This transparency is crucial for researchers, legal professionals, and the general public, who rely on accurate information to respect and utilize copyrighted materials.

Why Read It Today

U.S. Copyright Renewals, 1972 July - December is a valuable resource for anyone interested in copyright law, intellectual property, or the history of publishing. For legal professionals and copyright holders, it provides essential information for managing and protecting intellectual property rights. The catalog's detailed entries and comprehensive coverage make it an indispensable tool for ensuring compliance with copyright laws and resolving disputes.

Researchers and scholars will find the catalog useful for accessing information about copyrighted works, particularly those from the mid-20th century. It provides a snapshot of the creative output of the time, offering insights into the cultural and intellectual landscape of the era. The catalog's organization and cross-references make it easy to locate specific works and their copyright status, facilitating research and publication.

For historians and archivists, the catalog is a valuable primary source that documents the copyright practices and policies of the early 1970s. It reflects the legal and administrative frameworks of the time and provides a record of the works that were deemed worthy of protection. This historical perspective is crucial for understanding the evolution of copyright law and its impact on creativity and culture.

While the catalog may not be as engaging as a narrative or literary work, its importance lies in its utility and the information it provides. It is a testament to the ongoing efforts to protect and preserve intellectual property, ensuring that creators can continue to benefit from their works and that the public can access and enjoy them. For those involved in copyright law, publishing, or research, U.S. Copyright Renewals, 1972 July - December remains a relevant and essential reference.