The first problem encountered, that of identifying the work, was the biggest. Then, although the information in the record books was acceptable in the light of requirements for copyright registration, it was found all too frequently to be unsatisfactory from the standpoint of a full description or a complete identification of the motion picture. Lengths of films were seldom given; claimants had not always made it clear as to whether numbers accompanying titles stood for parts, scenes, reels, or production numbers; some films, copyrighted as separate entities, were obviously only parts of a unified subject which the claimant had failed to furnish; the articles in the titles were often omitted; and, for the pre-1900 years, it was not always clear as to whether certain titles referred to a Kineograph (thumb book), a Mutoscope reel, or a 35mm film. There were numerous other deficiencies, such as misspelling of names or words and omission of words other than articles from titles.
A complete solution to the complexities and limitations existing in the project would have required motion picture research, but such research is beyond the scope or function of the Copyright Office, and of the project for which I was employed. Hence, the record is passed along to you precisely as it stands with minor additions and corrections. Misspellings and similar minor errors have been dealt with by corrections written within brackets. In several instances, where titles of factual films are ambiguous as to persons, places, or things, it has been possible to draw on first-hand knowledge to enhance their meaning and significance. This information is also presented, within brackets, with a view to increasing as much as possible the practical value of the catalog. A general correlation of the films under supplied subject headings was, as in the case of extensive research, considered beyond the scope of the project. Such grouping has been left to those whose special interest may require it. To facilitate such further research, the _Claimant Index_ provides a chronological listing of titles by year to bring them together in their significant time relationships.
After an examination of the record, it appears that the earliest motion picture copyrighted was _Kinetoscopic Record of a Sneeze, January 7, 1894_. The claimant was William Kennedy Laurie Dickson, West Orange, New Jersey. This film, popularly known in film circles as “Fred Ott’s Sneeze,” and famous as one of the films which launched the modern motion picture industry, now has added fame as the first to be registered for copyright. There were only three other entries to the end of 1894. For some inexplicable reason, there is a total gap from the end of 1894 to October 23, 1896, at which date the registrations substantially began and continued. One highly important irregularity in this connection must be pointed out; there is evidence that the American Mutoscope and Biograph Company, in its 1902 and 1903 registrations, submitted, along with current material, a considerable backlog of pictures produced from late 1895 to 1902. An appreciable amount of research would have to be done to clarify the wide discrepancies between the production and copyright dates of this company. There is no evidence that other claimants followed this practice.