Distinguishing Published vs. Unpublished Photos — Distinguishing Published vs. Unpublished Photos

To register a group of cast photographs, applicants must identify whether the images are published or unpublished. A photograph is considered published when copies are distributed to the public, or offered for further distribution or public display, for the first time.

For published groups, all photographs must have been published within the same calendar year. This distinction affects both the registration options available and the legal relief for copyright infringement.