2407.1 (C) (2) Deposits
To inspect the deposit copy(ies) or identifying material for a pending application or a claim that has been registered or refused by the Office, authorized parties should submit a written request to RRCS at the address specified in Section 2403 together with the appropriate fee. The request should include the information set forth in Section 2407.1 (C) (1).
In addition, the requesting party must complete and sign a form titled “Request for Inspection of Copyright Deposit.” Copies of this form may be obtained from RRCS at the address provided in Section 2403 above. By signing this form the requesting party agrees not to copy or deface the deposit. Willfully removing, mutilating, obliterating, damaging, or destroying any record deposited with the U.S. Copyright Office is a crime that is punishable under 18 U.S.C. §§ 1361, 2071 (A).
During the inspection, the requesting party may take limited notes directly on this form. When the inspection is complete and before the party leaves the inspection area, RRCS staff will review the form to ensure that the party’s notes (if any) do not constitute prohibited copying. See Compuware Corp. v. Serena Software International, Inc., 77 F. Supp. 2d 816 (E.D. Mich. 1999) (noting that the Copyright Office imposes “strict limitations” on the inspection of deposit copies).
NOTE: Physical deposits are stored offsite. Therefore, requesting parties should make an appointment with RRCS and should request the item(s) they wish to inspect well in advance of their visit to the Office.