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THE LAW OF MOTION PICTURES
English language before publication in this country have no application to motion pictures, but refer solely to books.
the Copyright Act merely defines the exclusive rights given to the copyright proprietor in dramatic works.
“ Under section 30 of the same Act the importation into the United States of any article bearing a false notice of copyright, when there is no existing copyright thereon in the United States or of any piratical copies of any work copyrighted in the United States, is prohibited, and as it is not shown or claimed that the film in question is a prohibited importation under this provision of law, the Department is of the opinion that the same should be released to the importer. You will be governed accordingly.
“Respectfully, “(signed) F. M. Halstead,
“ Chief, Division of Customs.” See the following treasury ruling as to what constitutes ■piratical copies of a film: (T. D. 33258.)
Copyright — Films — Moving pictures— Piratical copies
Regulations governing the importation of moving-picture films under the copyright act of March 4, 1909. —
— T. D. 31754 of July 17, 1911, modified.
Treasury Department,
March 10, 1913.
To collectors and other officers of the customs:
Attention is invited to section 30 of the copyright act of March 4, 1909, as follows:
That the importation into the United States of any article bearing a false notice of copyright when there is no existing copyright thereon in the United States, or of any piratical copies of any work copyrighted in the United States, is prohibited.
The following regulations governing the importation of moving picture films are hereby promulgated for the guidance of officers of the customs:
1. A “piratical copy” of a film is defined as a film which constitutes either an actual copy or a substantial reproduction of a legally copyrighted film produced and imported in contravention of the rights of the copyright proprietor.
2. Collectors will admit to entry imported films concerning which either (a) adverse copy