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American Copyright Abroad

The Librarian of Congress has prepared the following statement in reply to requests for information as to International Copyright : "

I have to advise you that International Copyright arrangements between the United States and foreign countries now include Great Britain and her possessions, France, Belgium, and Switzerland. For an American citizen to secure copyright in Great Britain three conditions are necessary : "

The title should be entered at Stationers' Hall, London, the fee for which is 5 shillings sterling, and 5 shillings additional if a certified copy of entry is required. "

The work must be published in Great Britain or in her dominions simultaneously with its publication in the United States. "Five copies of the publication are required, one for the British Museum, and four on demand of the Company of Stationers for four other libraries. "Copyright in Canada is to be registered with the Minister of Agriculture at Ottawa, fee $1 for registry and 50 cents for certificate; and the work to be published in Canada, and two copies deposited. "

Copyright may be secured in France, by a foreigner, by depositing two copies of the publication at the Ministry of the Interior at Paris. No fee nor entry of title required. "

To secure copyright in Belgium a foreigner may register his work at the Department of Agriculture, Industry, and Public Works at Brussels. " In Switzerland, registry of title at the Department of Commerce and Industry at Berne is optional, not obligatory, fee 2 francs. If registered, deposit of one copy is required. "

The Librarian of Congress cannot take charge of any copyright entries or arrangements with other countries.