619.13 (A) Nicknames, First Names, Last Names, and Abbreviated Versions of the Claimant’s Name
If the applicant provides a nickname or an abbreviated version of the claimant’s full name, the registration specialist may register the claim provided that the identity of the claimant is clear. If the claimant’s full name appears in the Name of Author field/space, on the deposit copy(ies), or elsewhere in the registration materials, the registration specialist may add that information to the registration record with an annotation, such as: “Regarding copyright claimant: Claimant’s full name added by Copyright Office from [Name of Author field, deposit copy, Note to Copyright Office, etc.].” The registration specialist will communicate with the applicant if the application merely provides the claimant’s given name or surname.
Examples:
• An application names “Ian McCall a.k.a. Scooter McCall” as the author of music and lyrics. The Name of Claimant field reads “Scooter McCall.” The registration specialist will register the claim without communicating with the applicant.
• An online application names “Mr. T” as the claimant for a sound recording. In the Note to Copyright Office field the applicant explains that the claimant’s full name is Terry Thompson Tipley. The registration specialist will add the claimant’s full name to the registration record and add an annotation, such as: “Regarding copyright claimant: Claimant’s full name added by Copyright Office from Note to Copyright Office.”
• A paper application names “Mr. Robin and Ms. McCall” as co- authors and co-claimants for a bird watching guide. The registration materials do not contain any information concerning the claimants’ full names. The registration specialist will communicate with the applicant.