If you’re applying for copyright registration, you must provide a work specimen.
That’s just a sample or copy that shows exactly what you want to register, and the United States Copyright Office reviews it to see if your work qualifies for protection.
Knowing what kind of specimens the Copyright Office accepts is crucial if you want your application to be complete and avoid delays or rejections.
The Office sets specific rules for different types of work, such as books, songs, photos, websites, and so on.
Not following these rules is a top reason applications are denied. You’ll need to know what to submit and how to avoid headaches.
A copyright specimen is a sample of your work that you send with a copyright application.
The U.S. Copyright Office uses it to check and verify the originality and content of certain types of works.
The specimen shows what you created, not just a summary or a description.
The specimen lets the Copyright Office see the content and format of computer programs, music, or anything not printed.
This helps prevent fraudulent or incomplete applications. Usually, you’ll need to send the best edition or a complete copy of your work.
Some works, like unpublished pieces or things you can’t fully reproduce, might need a specimen instead.
There are rules for what counts as a valid specimen. For example, if you’re registering a website, you might use screenshots of how it looks to users.
The Copyright Office uses your specimen to see if your claim meets legal requirements. It’s legal evidence of authorship, originality, and that your work is tangible. That can matter if someone challenges your ownership later.
Physical copies are usually needed for published works. But sometimes, sending the entire work isn’t practical—think huge databases, websites, or software.
In those cases, the Copyright Office lets you submit just a portion, like a program’s first and last 25 pages or screenshots for a website.
For sound recordings or sculptures, you might need to send photos or a short audio clip. Usually, you only need one specimen per work unless the Office specifically asks for more.
Submitting a digital file? Ana Law helps creators submit legally sound copyright specimens for visual art, software, and online content. Schedule your copyright review today.
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Specimen requirements shift depending on the work you want to register. Acceptability depends on how the public usually sees or uses your work.
If you’re submitting books, articles, essays, poems, or other writing, the Copyright Office typically wants a complete copy. That could be a digital file (PDF, DOC, TXT) or sometimes a hard copy.
The specimen must show your actual content and how you arranged the words—no summaries, outlines, or drafts.
If your work is unpublished, you can submit it digitally. Published printed works might need a physical copy.
Upload the real file for material published only online or as digital content. Metadata, like the author or date, can help, but it’s not a specimen.
Send a clear copy showing the work for paintings, illustrations, designs, or photos. Digital images like JPEG, TIFF, or PNG work fine.
Photos shouldn’t be watermarked or edited—send them as they appear when published or displayed. For art published in books, magazines, or online, scan or photograph the complete page where the work appears.
Digital files are accepted so that rights holders can upload them.
If you’re registering sculpture or architecture, snap several photos from different angles. The Copyright Office wants to see your actual work, not just a description.
For software, you’ll need to submit part of the source code. Usually, that’s the first 25 and last 25 pages, unless the program is short, in which case, just send it all.
If you’re worried about trade secrets, black out confidential details. Don’t send summaries, diagrams, or flowcharts instead of code.
Send screenshots showing the look and layout for the user interface (UI) designs. Label each image with a short description. Digital submissions are best since they show the real thing.
Send a complete copy of the music (sheet music, lyrics, notation)—PDFs are fine, or printed copies if needed. For sound recordings, upload a digital audio file (MP3 or WAV).
If your song has yet to be published, a demo will work. If it has been published, use the same version that was distributed.
Your application should include the track name, artist, and copyright holder. If you’re registering both the song and the recording, upload each separately.
Make sure your specimen shows the real thing—don’t just send a summary or playlist. Metadata about the artist or album helps, but it can’t replace the actual audio or sheet music.
Submit a digital copy of the finished work or a high-quality excerpt for films, documentaries, animations, or video courses. Sometimes, a short clip is enough if the full file is too big.
Streaming or online-only works, like an MP4 or MOV, need a complete file. For TV episodes, just send one episode. Online courses should include video, slides, and related materials together if possible.
Don’t send scripts or outlines unless you only register the written text. If you’re registering a video and a script, provide each as its specimen.
The Copyright Office’s registration FAQ covers formats and digital uploads. Metadata tags from videos can help identify your work, but they don’t count as specimens. Focus on sending the full, original content.
When you apply for copyright registration, you’ve got to meet the submission standards set by the U.S. Copyright Office.
Your claim could be delayed or denied if you don’t follow the right file types, quantities, or labeling instructions.
The eCO (Electronic Copyright Office) portal only accepts certain digital formats. Use PDF, DOC, or DOCX for text works like books or scripts. For visuals, JPG, GIF, or PNG are best.
MP3 or WAV is used for audio, and MP4 or MOV is used for video. Don’t upload zipped folders or weird file types—they’ll probably get rejected.
Double-check the file format for your work at the U.S. Copyright Office’s registration FAQ.
If you use the wrong file type, your review could stall. The eCO portal usually throws an error if your format isn’t accepted.
You need to submit a complete copy of your work. Usually, one file showing the whole thing is enough—unless your work is huge or split into parts, like a multi-volume set or big software package.
Sometimes, computer programs only need the first and last 25 pages. If your work has multiple components (like a book with separate illustrations), group them in one file if you can. If not, upload each one separately as the application asks.
Uploading extra or duplicate files complicates things and could slow your registration.
Pick filenames that clearly identify your work. Use plain text, no fancy characters or spaces. Good filenames look like JohnSmith_Novel_2024.pdf or BrightSky_Logo_Design.png.
Label each file so it’s easy to match to your application—include the title, author, or project. Keep names short but descriptive.
If you upload multiple files, number them in order, like MySong_Part1.mp3 and MySong_Part2.mp3. This keeps things clear and helps avoid review issues.
The Copyright Office checks every specimen to see if it meets its rules. Many applications get denied because people send the wrong thing or in the wrong way, or the sample doesn’t show what’s being registered.
People sometimes send promotional material—ads, brochures, or screenshots—thinking that’s enough.
However, the Copyright Office wants the real work, like a manuscript or finished song, not just something that markets it.
Promotional materials only describe or hype up your work. They don’t prove you created it. The specimen should be the actual published version for published works, not just an ad that mentions it.
If you send the wrong sample, expect a quick rejection and a slower process. The U.S. Copyright Office says not to include anything that just refers to your work instead of being the work itself.
Key things to avoid:
If you can’t open, read, or even look at a file, the Copyright Office will reject your specimen. They want everything to be legible and complete—the whole work or enough to support your claim.
Blurry scans, missing pages, or damaged sections? Those won’t make the cut.
People often run into trouble by submitting partial works, odd file formats, or broken digital files. A PDF that refuses to open, a fuzzy scan, or a document with missing parts are all instant dealbreakers.
So, double-check your file types, make sure nothing’s missing, and preview the file before you upload. The Copyright Office spells out the requirements, and sticking to them will save you a lot of hassle.
Sometimes what you describe in your application doesn’t match what you actually submit. Let’s say you claim a novel but send a poem, or you say it’s an original photo but upload a stock image—yeah, that’s a mismatch.
The Copyright Office checks your application details against the specimen. You’ll probably be denied if the titles, descriptions, or formats don’t match.
You really want your file to be the exact work you’re registering. Double-check everything so your sample matches your claim.
One mistake in your specimen can delay your registration by months. Ana Law reviews your materials before filing to ensure they meet every U.S. Copyright Office standard. Book a consultation now.
If you’re ready to get started, call us now!
Every copyright application needs a clear example of the creative work. The specimen has to show exactly what you’re hoping to protect.
Miss the Copyright Office’s requirements, and your application’s going nowhere.
For novels or stories, the best bet is usually the first 10 to 20 pages of the actual text. Don’t just send the title page or table of contents.
The sample should show real narrative, dialogue, and style, so the Copyright Office can actually see your unique writing.
Sending only the cover or dust jacket will not work. The cover might look nice, but it doesn’t show your words or story.
The Office isn’t interested in approving an application based on a cover alone—after all, the real creative value is in your writing.
Acceptable:
Unacceptable:
If you’re registering software, you should send a PDF of the source code or at least 25–50 pages from your main code files. The specimen needs to show your original code, not just a compiled app.
Include comments or code structure that highlight your own choices as a developer.
Screenshots or photos of the app in action don’t count. A picture of the interface might show design, but it doesn’t reveal the creative programming behind it.
The Copyright Office wants to see the actual code—how you organized it, the commands you used—not just how the software looks.
Acceptable:
Unacceptable:
If you’re submitting a photo, use the unedited, high-res original file. The Copyright Office wants to see the work exactly as you created it—no filters, cropping, or tweaks.
This helps them judge the originality and authorship of your image.
Photos pulled from Instagram or any social site with heavy edits, stickers, or overlays won’t fly. Edits can hide your real work, and the Office wants the authentic image, not one changed by apps.
Acceptable:
Unacceptable:
If you want copyright protection for groups of related works, the Copyright Office has specific rules about what you can submit together and how to format each specimen.
Knowing these requirements makes things smoother and helps you avoid annoying rejections or delays.
Group registration for photos is called GRUPH. It lets you register up to 750 unpublished images in one go.
All the images must be by the same photographer and owned by the same person or company.
The Office wants each photo saved as a digital file—JPEG or TIFF works. Don’t cram several images into one file or collage.
Label each image with a unique filename so things don’t get mixed up.
Before you send anything in, check that all the photos are unpublished and share the same author and owner. If not, your group application will get rejected.
Short online works—think blog posts or social media entries—can use the GRUW group registration. You can submit up to 10 unpublished works by the same author in one shot.
Each work needs to be short, like a poem, an article, or a commentary.
Every file uploaded as a specimen must include the entire text of the short work. Don’t mix in pieces by different authors or throw in published material.
Make sure each file clearly shows the title and author so nothing gets confusing during review.
Select the “Group of Unpublished Works” application and upload separate digital copies for each.
Prepping your files before uploading can save you headaches. Here are a few tips to keep in mind if you’re registering a group of works:
Missing key details in your copyright application can slow things down or result in rejection.
Legal professionals are great at spotting mistakes and making sure all the info matches up, which can save you from expensive errors.
One of the most common reasons for copyright application delays? An improper specimen. The U.S. Copyright Office expects your specimen to show the work exactly as you described.
It must be the final version, whether it’s a song, script, or anything else.
Attorneys can check if your specimen meets technical and content standards. For example, a text document should be clear, easy to read, and not filled with drafts or unrelated stuff.
If your submission misses the mark, the Copyright Office might ask for a correction, which can add weeks or months to the process.
Having a legal review can help you avoid file format mistakes or sending the wrong version. That saves you from repeating steps and paying extra fees. Plus, you’ll know the Office will see your work as you intended.
The Copyright Office checks that your details match the work. The names of authors, creators, or rights holders on your application need to match those in the specimen and any records.
An attorney can review your files’ metadata, contracts, and markings to ensure everything matches. This is especially important if you have joint authors or multiple contributors.
If the listed owners and the name on the file don’t match, the Office might question or deny your registration.
Legal guidance can help you keep names, spellings, and credit lines consistent. That way, you’re less likely to run into disputes or get asked for clarification. Catching small issues early can make copyright registration a lot smoother.
Meeting the specimen requirements set by the Copyright Office is key to a successful registration. Good documentation helps keep things moving and smooths the review process.
Applicants should always submit complete and clear copies of their work, which usually needs to be the “best edition” available.
This lets the Copyright Office see exactly what’s being registered.
Common specimen types include:
Important Reminders:
| Step | Details |
| Complete Application | Fill in all required fields and make sure your information is accurate. |
| Upload Correct Specimen | Pick the right file type and check that it’s clear and complete. |
| Check Deadlines | Watch out for any timelines you need to meet. |
If you create original work, it’s smart to register your work sooner rather than later. That protects your rights and gives you a solid legal record.
Knowing the requirements helps creators dodge headaches and get their work recognized by law.
Make sure your copyright specimen meets every U.S. Copyright Office standard. Ana Law helps creators file correctly the first time, without costly rejections. Contact us today.
What is a specimen in a copyright application?
A specimen is a copy of the actual work being registered and submitted to the U.S. Copyright Office to prove authorship and fixation. It must reflect the content exactly as claimed.
Do I need to submit a specimen for all copyright applications?
No, not all applications require a specimen. However, most do—especially for group registrations, unpublished works, software, and visual content. Published single works may require only metadata.
What file types are accepted by the U.S. Copyright Office?
Accepted file formats include PDF, DOC, JPG, MP3, MP4, and ZIP. When submitted through the eCO system, files must meet specific size and resolution requirements.
How many specimens should I submit?
One complete specimen is typically enough, but certain group registrations or audiovisual works may require multiple files. Always follow the specific filing instructions for your work type.
Can a promotional image or flyer be used as a specimen?
No. Marketing materials do not qualify as specimens. You must submit the actual creative work, like the manuscript, code, photo, or audio file, that is being registered.
What are the common reasons a specimen is rejected?
Specimens may be rejected for being incomplete, improperly formatted, unrelated to the claimed work, or unreadable due to file corruption or resolution issues.
Can I get help preparing a copyright specimen?
Yes, copyright attorneys like Ana Law can ensure your specimen meets all legal and technical requirements, avoiding delays, rejections, and costly re-filings.
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As you look for opportunities to expand and grow your business and revenue, Ana Law is here to help every step of the way. We provide actionable legal & business advice to protect your ideas, products, brands, and revenue.
Across the country and around the globe, business leaders and innovators look to Ana Law as their trusted legal advisor for excellence, innovation, and superior results.
As you look for opportunities to expand and grow your business and revenue, Ana Law is here to help every step of the way. We provide actionable legal & business advice to protect your ideas, products, brands, and revenue.
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