Form PA - Performing Arts

For film, and other performing arts works

FAQ – Form PA (Performing Arts Works Registration)

Form PA is used to register published or unpublished works of the performing arts, which include:

  • Musical works (with or without lyrics)

  • Dramatic works (with or without music)

  • Pantomimes and choreographic works

  • Motion pictures and other audiovisual works

Performing arts works are intended to be performed either live or through a device or process (e.g., recordings, films, etc.).

No. Form PA may only be used to register one unpublished work. Paper applications containing more than one work will be rejected.

To register multiple unpublished works, use the online application for “A Group of Unpublished Works.”

See Circular 34 – Multiple Works for details.

Type of WorkRequired Deposit
Unpublished Work   1 complete copy (or phonorecord)
Published Work   2 complete copies (or 1 phonorecord) of the best edition
First Published Outside the U.S.   1 complete copy (or phonorecord) of the first foreign edition
Contribution to a Collective Work   1 complete copy (or phonorecord) of the best edition of the collective work

For motion pictures, you must submit both of the following:

  1. A written description of the motion picture’s contents

  2. A copy of the film:

    • Published work: 1 complete copy of the best edition

    • Unpublished work: 1 complete copy of the work or “identifying material” such as:

      • An audio recording of the entire soundtrack

      • A frame enlargement or still image from every 10-minute segment

  • Before March 1, 1989: A copyright notice was mandatory

  • On or after March 1, 1989: A notice is optional, but still encouraged

See Circular 3 – Copyright Notice for more information.

Form PA

Section 1: Title of Work

Section 2 : Authors

Section 3: Creation and Publication

Section 4: Copyright Claimant(s)

Section 5: Previous Registration

Section 6: Derivative Work or Compilation

Complete both space 6a and 6b for a derivative work; complete only 6b for a compilation

Section 7: Fee, Correspondence, and Return Address

Section 8: Certification

Important - *17 U.S.C. §506(e): Any person who knowingly makes a false representation... shall be fined not more than $2,500.

Section 9: Certificate Mailing Address

The address where the final, physical copyright certificate should be mailed.

Maximum file size: 20MB

Upload the Proof of Payment