2206.7 Concealed Notice
A concealed notice that is permanently covered so that it cannot be seen without damaging or tearing the work apart is unacceptable. The U.S. Copyright Office considers such works to be published without notice. To be acceptable, a notice must be legible to an ordinary user of the work under normal conditions of use and affixed to the copies in such a manner and position that when affixed it is not concealed from view upon reasonable examination by the Office or the ordinary user. See 17 U.S.C. §§ 401 (C), 402 (C).
Examples:
• A notice on the margin or back of a painting that is concealed under a permanent frame or mat is unacceptable.
• A notice on the bottom of a figurine that is cemented on a base so that the notice is concealed is unacceptable.