807.7 (C) Apps for Computers, Tablets, or Mobile Phones
Apps may constitute audiovisual works. Many apps contain a significant amount of preexisting artwork, such as icons. In such cases the preexisting material should be identified and excluded from the application, and the claim should be limited to the new copyrightable authorship. If the preexisting material has not been identified on the application, the registration specialist may communicate with the applicant to request that the claim be limited to the new copyrightable authorship.
The new copyrightable authorship should be described as “audiovisual material,” rather than “app” or “computer app.” See Section 807.8 (B).