512.2 (A) Registering Multiple Versions of a Published Work: More Complete Version Published First
If one version contains all the copyrightable material that appears in other versions of the same work and if that version was published first, the applicant should submit the most complete version. In this situation, the applicant should not submit an application to register other versions of the same work.
Example:
• The Elmwood Avenue Press published two versions of an elementary school textbook. The teacher’s edition contains all the text and artwork that appears in the student’s edition, plus additional instructions, questions, answers, and commentary. The teacher’s edition was published on January 22, 2010 and the student’s edition was published on February 1, 2010. The publisher may register the teacher’s edition, but should not submit an application for the student’s edition.