Legal Definitions - best edition

Definition: Best edition refers to a specific version of a copyrighted work that is published in the United States before the date of deposit. The Library of Congress has the authority to select the best edition of a work, which is considered the most suitable for its purposes. To comply with copyright law, two copies of the best edition must be deposited with the Library.

Example: Let's say an author writes a book and publishes it in the United States. The Library of Congress determines that the first edition of the book is the best edition and requests that two copies of that edition be deposited with them. The author must comply with this request to fulfill their copyright obligations.

Explanation: This example illustrates how the Library of Congress selects the best edition of a work and requires that two copies of that edition be deposited with them. This ensures that the Library has access to the most suitable version of a work for its purposes, such as preservation and research.