1505.2 Copies or Phonorecords of Published Works
A copy or phonorecord of a published work is complete if it “includes all elements comprising the applicable unit of publication of the work, including elements that, if considered separately, would not be copyrightable subject matter.” 37 C.F.R. § 202.20 (B) (2)(ii).
There are several exceptions to this rule. Where certain physically separable elements usually attached to a unit of publication are missing, the copy or phonorecord is complete if:
• The deposit contains all parts of the work claimed on the application;
• The removal of the missing elements did not physically damage the copy or phonorecord or garble its contents; and
• The work is exempt from the mandatory deposit requirements under 17 U.S.C. § 407; or
• The deposit consists entirely of a “container, wrapper, or holder, such as an envelope, sleeve, jacket, slipcase, box, bag, folder, binder, or other receptacle acceptable for deposit … .”
37 C.F.R. § 202.20 (B) (2)(ii).