Procedures to copyright A group of surveys 

(Samples by: Robert Barcomb, RPLS #4772, 512-832-1232)

Sample Front Cover - (Word doc)

Sample Index - (Word doc)

Sample Transmittal Letter - (Word doc)

U.S. Copyright Office (VA Form) - http://www.copyright.gov/forms/formva.pdf
(VA Form with instructions) - http://www.copyright.gov/forms/formvai.pdf

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The following is the step-by-step procedure for registering a group of surveys with the United States Copyright Office

(1)   A copyright notice must appear on each survey plat. The following notice is recommended
 

© 2007 All Rights Reserved
 

(2)   Prepare a black and white photocopy of each survey plat prior to signing and/or sealing for the calendar quarter (i.e., January – March, etc.) on standard 8½" x 14" paper in chronological sequence.

(3)   Prepare an Index listing each survey plat. The Index will be placed behind the Front Cover proceeding the compilation of survey plats. The Index must include its title (Index) and two columns entitled "Date" and "Drawing Name".

The "Date" column will list in chronological sequence the date that each original survey plat was signed by the RPLS. The "Drawing Name" column will list an abbreviated Legal Description for each survey plat. A sample Index is attached.

Prepare a Front Cover for the compilation. The Front Cover must include the name of the surveyor (if a sole proprietor) or the name of the surveying company (if not a sole proprietorship) and a description of the survey plats being submitted for registration (i.e., First Quarter 2002). It is recommended that card stock be used for the Front Cover and the last page of the Compilation (back cover). A sample Front Cover is attached.

(5)   Place the documents in this order:

   A.   Front Cover
   B.   Index
   C.   Black and White Photocopies of Survey Plats
   D.   Back Cover

(6)   Take the documents to a copying and duplicating service and have two bound sets prepared using "velo binding" (11" is standard, 14" may be special order). Approximate cost for 225 pages is $2.60 per set.

(7)   Obtain Form VA from the United States Copyright Office website at www.copyright.gov. Complete and sign the Form. A completed sample Form VA is attached.

(8)   Prepare a check or money order for the nonrefundable filing fee in the amount of $30.00 payable to "Register of Copyrights".

(9)   Prepare a Transmittal Letter which will accompany the documents to be filed with the US Copyright Office. A sample Transmittal Letter is attached.

(10)  Mail via certified mail/return receipt requested the completed and signed Form VA, the $30.00 filing fee, one copy of the bound set of survey plats (which includes the Front Cover and Index) and the Transmittal Letter to:
 

Library of Congress
Copyright Office
101 Independence Avenue S.E.
Washington, D.C. 20559-6000
 

(11)  Retain the second set of bound survey plats for your files. You should receive a "Certificate of Registration" back from the US Copyright Office within 90-180 days.

(12)  Repeat this procedure for each subsequent calendar quarter.

(13)  If you have questions regarding this step-by-step procedure, contact:
 

Robert Barcomb
Arpenteurs Professional Surveying
8906 Wall Street Ste 302
Austin, Texas 78754
Telephone: (512) 832-1232
Facsimile: (512) 832-1855
Email: arpent@swbell.net

Ms. Anne Glasgow
TSPS Executive Director
2525 Wallingwood Drive, Building 300
Austin, Texas 78745
Telephone: (512) 327-7871
Facsimile: (512) 327-7872
Email: anneg@tsps.org