2. The year of first publication. If the work is a derivative work or
   a compilation incorporating previously published material, the year
   date of first publication of the derivative work or compilation is
   sufficient.  Examples of derivative works are translations or
   dramatizations; an example of a compilation is an anthology.  The year
   may be omitted when a pictorial, graphic, or sculptural work, with
   accompanying textual matter, if any, is reproduced in or on greeting
   cards, postcards, stationery, jewelry, dolls, toys, or useful
   articles; and

3. The name of the owner of copyright in the work, or an abbreviation
   by which the name can be recognized, or a generally known alternative
   designation of the owner.

    Example:  (C in a circle symbol) 1999 Jane Doe

The “C in a circle” notice is used only on “visually perceptible” copies.  Certain kinds of works, for example, musical, dramatic, and literary works, may be fixed not in “copies” but by means of sound in an audio recording.  Since audio recordings such as audio tapes and phonograph disks are “phonorecords” and not “copies”, the “C in a circle” notice is not used to indicate protection of the underlying musical, dramatic, or literary work that is recorded.

   The United States is a member of the Universal Copyright Convention
    (the UCC), which came into force on September 16, 1955.  To guarantee
    protection for a copyrighted work in all UCC member countries, the
    notice must consist of the symbol (C in a circle symbol)(the word
    “Copyright” or the abbreviation are not acceptable), the year of
    first publication, and the name of the copyright proprietor. 
    Example:  (C in a circle symbol) 1999 John Doe.  For information about
    international copyright relationships, request Circular 38a,
    “International Copyright Relations of the United States.”

PHONORECORDS OF SOUND RECORDINGS

The copyright notice for phonorecords embodying a sound recording is different from that for other works.  Sound recordings are defined as “works that result from the fixation of a series of musical, spoken or other sounds, but not including the sounds accompanying a motion picture or other audiovisual work.”  Copyright in a sound recording protects the particular series of sounds fixed in the recording against unauthorized reproduction, revision, and distribution.  This copyright is distinct from copyright of the musical, literary, or dramatic work that may be recorded on the phonorecord.

Phonorecords may be records (such as LPs and 45s), audio tapes, cassettes, or disks.  The notice should contain the following three elements appearing together on the phonorecord: 

1. The symbol (the letter P in a circle); and

2. The year of first publication of the sound recording; and