619.13 (B) Initials
An application may be accepted if the applicant provides initials in lieu of the claimant’s full name, provided that the claimant is known to the public by those initials or provided that the claimant’s full name is clearly given elsewhere in the registration materials. If it is unclear whether the initials identify the claimant, the registration specialist may communicate with the applicant. If the claimant’s full name appears elsewhere in the registration materials, the specialist may add that information to the application with an annotation, such as: “Regarding copyright claimant: Claimant’s full name added by Copyright Office from copy.”
Examples:
• An application is submitted for a technical manual published by the General Motors Corporation. The application names “GM” as the author and claimant. The application will be accepted.
• A publisher submits an application for a novel that names “J.K.J. Bowling” as the author and claimant. The application will be accepted.
• A paper application names “FIG” as the claimant. The cover letter explains that the claimant is currently doing business under the name “Fantastic Fruit Company,” that the claimant is planning to change its name to the “Fruit Is Good Company,” and that “FIG” will be used as the company’s trade name. Because it is unclear whether the initials identify the claimant to the public, the registration specialist will add the full name to the registration record, and add an annotation, such as: “Regarding copyright claimant: Claimant’s full name added by Copyright Office from cover letter.”